General Manager - Boutique Hotel

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

Job summary

A boutique hotel in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a General Manager to oversee daily operations and lead a team. The candidate should have proven management experience in high-end hospitality, a strong leadership style, and broad operational knowledge. Responsibilities include managing the overall performance of the hotel, financial oversight, and ensuring excellent guest experiences. Live-in accommodation is provided, making this a unique opportunity for those wanting to immerse themselves fully in the role.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Utilities included

Provided breakfast

Work vehicle for operational use

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a general management role in hospitality.
• Strong leadership style with decision-making confidence.
• Broad operational knowledge including various departments.
• Solid understanding of financial processes and control.
• Highly organized with a strong sense of ownership.
• Comfortable in a rural, hands-on environment.
• Direct communicator valuing honesty and accountability.
• Looking for a long-term role.

Responsibilities

• Overall operational performance of the hotel.
• Leading and supporting department managers.
• Managing staff rosters and labor control.
• Oversight of financial processes and compliance.
• Handling guest feedback and complaints.
• Ensuring prompt maintenance resolution.
• Being a visible host on property.
• Working closely with ownership for updates.

Skills

Proven experience in management

Leadership style

Operational knowledge

Financial understanding

Reliability and organization

Hands-on approach

Effective communication

Self-starter

Job description

General Manager – Boutique Hotel (JB5854)

Location: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

Salary: R40 – 60000 per month, based on experience

Working arrangement: On-site, live-in

Contract: Permanent

Start date: As soon as mutually agreed

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.

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

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

Equal Opportunity & Privacy Statement

Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcome, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.

Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.

Please do not apply using scanned CVs; no supporting documentation is required at this point. This will be requested later.