General Manager (Boutique Hotel)

Kontak Recruitment; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique hotel in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee daily operations and guest experience. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and a confident decision-maker. The successful candidate will manage a team and maintain high operational standards while being integrally involved in all hotel functions. Accommodation is provided, and the position is permanent with a competitive salary based on experience.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Utilities included

Work vehicle provided

Breakfast provided while on duty

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a General Manager or Hotel Manager role within a high-end hotel or lodge.
• Strong leadership style with confidence in decision-making.
• Broad knowledge across hospitality operations including food and beverage, housekeeping, and maintenance.
• Solid financial management skills for budgets and stock control.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong ownership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall performance of the hotel operations.
• Lead and support department managers to ensure accountability.
• Manage staff rosters and timekeeping.
• Oversee financial processes including invoicing and management accounts.
• Handle guest feedback and manage maintenance issues.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Financial understanding

Communication

Job description

General Manager (Boutique Hotel) – Midlands, KZN.

This is a hands-on General Manager position at a small, high-end boutique hotel set on a private farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The role is fully accountable for day-to-day operations, people leadership, guest experience, and financial oversight.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the property, acting as the senior decision-maker on site and the primary point of accountability. This is not a desk-based role. It requires strong presence, practical judgement, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts at once.

You will lead a team of approximately 45 staff across hospitality operations, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, gardens, and front office, supported by department managers.

This is a small, owner-managed operation where trust, transparency, and follow-through matter. The General Manager is expected to be fully across what is happening on the property at all times and to resolve issues without unnecessary escalation.

It will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, autonomy, and being closely involved in every aspect of a hotel’s operation.

Individuals seeking to relocate, with family are welcome to apply.

Salary: R40 000 – R60 000 per month, based on experience.

Working arrangement: On-site, live-in.

Contract: Permanent.

Start date: As soon as mutually agreed.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in a General Manager, Hotel Manager, or Senior Operations Manager role within a high-end hotel, lodge, or boutique hospitality environment
• A strong, grounded leadership style with the confidence to make decisions and follow through
• Broad operational knowledge across food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and front office
• Solid financial understanding, including budgets, stock control, and management accounts
• Highly organised, reliable, and detail-aware, with a strong sense of ownership
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, rural environment and living on site
• Clear, direct communicator who values honesty and accountability
• Looking for a long-term role, not a short-term stepping stone
• A confident self-starter who doesn’t wait to be asked — you notice issues early, take action, and communicate progress clearly.
• Comfortable working with a hands-on owner, providing short, direct updates and solutions, and building trust through transparency and consistency.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Overall operational performance of the hotel, including accommodation, food and beverage, maintenance, and grounds
• Leading and supporting department managers, ensuring clear accountability and consistent standards
• Managing staff rosters, timekeeping, and labour control
• Oversight of financial processes including invoicing, stock reports, monthly management accounts, and cost control
• Handling guest feedback and complaints professionally and decisively
• Ensuring maintenance issues are addressed promptly and proactively
• Being a visible host on the property, including evenings when required
• Working closely with ownership, providing clear, factual updates and practical solutions
• Supporting basic marketing activity and promotional initiatives where needed
• This is an owner-managed environment. Success in the role depends on strong partnership with the owner: you’ll anticipate what’s likely to need attention, address issues before they escalate, and
• keep communication practical and outcomes-focused (what’s done, what isn’t, and what’s next).

Accommodation & package:

• Live-in accommodation provided: a spacious on-site house suitable for a single person, couple, or family
• Utilities included (water, electricity, Wi-Fi)
• Breakfast provided while on duty
• Work vehicle provided for operational use on the property