Duty Manager

University of Fort Hare; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 390,600 - 535,680; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare seeks an experienced Duty Manager to oversee daily hotel operations in Cape Town's Constantia Winelands area. You will ensure exemplary guest service, manage front-of-house activities, and lead the operations team to maintain luxury standards.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a proactive approach to guest satisfaction, staff coaching, and service recovery during peak periods and holidays.

Qualifications

• Post-matric qualification in Hospitality Management or Hotel School.
• Experience in luxury 5-star hotel operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily hotel operations and ensure luxury service standards.
• Lead, motivate and support front office and operations teams.
• Handle guest enquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate reservations, check-ins/outs and cash handling with accuracy.
• Provide training and development support to staff to maintain service excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Communication

Problem-solving

Team Training

Education

Hospitality Management qualification

Tools

OPERA Cloud

Microsoft Office

Job description

Market related Monthly Basic Salary (Company contribution to medical aid and provident fund, Market related)

Duty Manager

Cape Town – Constantia Winelands

My client, an iconic luxury hotel situated in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, is seeking to appoint an experienced and service‑driven Duty Manager to join its professional hospitality team. This role is ideally suited to a confident leader with a passion for exceptional guest service and operational excellence within a luxury hotel environment.

Purpose of the Role: To oversee the day‑to‑day hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, maintaining the highest service standards, and providing effective leadership and support to the operational team while ensuring the smooth running of all front‑of‑house activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operational activities of the hotel
• Ensure luxury service standards are consistently maintained across all departments
• Manage guest enquiries, requests and complaints promptly and professionally
• Monitor guest feedback and implement appropriate service recovery where required
• Lead, motivate and support the front office and operational teams
• Assist with staff training, coaching and ongoing development
• Manage guest arrivals and departures efficiently using OPERA Cloud
• Process guest accounts accurately and handle cash and guest funds responsibly
• Respond to email correspondence and telephonic enquiries professionally
• Operate the hotel switchboard and direct calls appropriately
• Coordinate hotel reservations and restaurant bookings
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of hotel facilities, room categories and guest services
• Assist with Food & Beverage operations during busy service periods
• Liaise effectively with all departments to ensure seamless guest experiences
• Ensure operational procedures, policies and service standards are adhered to at all times

Criteria

• Post-matric qualification in Hospitality Management or Hotel School
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Duty Manager or supervisory role within a luxury 5‑star hotel or similar hospitality environment
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience advantageous
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and OPERA Cloud Property Management System
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high level of English proficiency
• Strong leadership, organisational and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to train, mentor and motivate a team
• Guest‑focused with exceptional interpersonal skills
• Trustworthy with the ability to handle guest accounts and cash responsibly
• Positive, energetic and professional approach
• Ability to remain calm and perform effectively under pressure
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays as required
• Own reliable transport will be advantageous

Must reside in or near the Cape Town Southern Suburbs at commencement of employment.