Front Office Manager: Lead, Build & Launch a New Hostel

HotelJobs; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Front Office Manager for an established boutique hostel and a brand-new hostel opening March 2027. You will lead the front desk, guest services, and duty management while shaping operations for the pre-opening.

You will build systems, SOPs, and a capable team, collaborate with management, and ensure outstanding guest service, seamless reservations and smooth daily operations across the two properties.

Qualifications

• Previous Front Office supervisory or management experience.
• Hotel, hostel, backpacker or accommodation experience.
• Reservations and OTA experience.
• Experience with a hospitality PMS — Cloudbeds advantageous.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• A hands-on, proactive approach.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Front Office team.
• Rostering, training, coaching and performance management.
• Oversee check-ins, check-outs, guest queries and complaints.
• Manage reservations, room & bed allocations and group bookings.
• Monitor OTAs, online bookings and guest communication.
• Maintain accurate PMS and Front Office administration.
• Work closely with Housekeeping, Maintenance, Security and Operations.
• Monitor guest feedback and drive service improvements.
• Develop SOPs and operational systems for the new hostel.
• Assist with recruitment and training of the new Front Office team.
• Assist with PMS, OTA and operational system setup.
• Support pre-opening preparation and operational readiness.

Skills

Front Office Management

Staff Training

Reservations & OTA Management

Guest Service

PMS Experience

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Tools

Cloudbeds

Job description

HotelJobs in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Front Office Manager for an established boutique hostel and a brand-new hostel opening March 2027. You will lead the front desk, guest services, and duty management while shaping operations for the pre-opening.

You will build systems, SOPs, and a capable team, collaborate with management, and ensure outstanding guest service, seamless reservations and smooth daily operations across the two properties.