General Manager Zanzibar

CFS Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,331,000 - 1,997,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS Recruitment is seeking a General Manager for a luxury resort in Zanzibar North, Tanzania. The role demands extensive hospitality leadership, multilingual capabilities, and a track record in premium service delivery.

Responsibilities include steering operations, budgeting, regulatory compliance and staff development to maximise profitability and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or Tourism.
• Proven senior management in travel, leisure or hospitality.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and cost-control skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management.
• Knowledge of operations, health and safety, and service standards.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to ensure efficient service across all departments.
• Develop and monitor business strategies, plans and budgets to maximise profitability.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, including health and safety and licensing.
• Maintain exceptional customer service and resolve guest issues promptly.
• Recruit, train and manage staff to build a motivated team.
• Oversee procurement to control costs and ensure quality.
• Foster relationships with suppliers and authorities to support objectives.
• Analyse performance data and report to senior management.
• Drive marketing initiatives to increase brand visibility and market share.
• Promote sustainability and responsible tourism throughout operations.
• Manage risk and contingency plans to address challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Customer service excellence

Financial literacy

Education

Degree in Hospitality Management

Degree in Business Administration

Degree in Tourism

Postgraduate qualification in Business/Hospitality/Tourism

Tools

Business management software

Job description

General Manager – Zanzibar

MUST HAVE PRIOR LUXURY RESORT EXPERIENCE AND MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK GERMAN, FRENCH OR ITALIAN (The more the better)

Location

Zanzibar North, Tanzania, East Africa

Job Type

Permanent, Full-Time

Primary Industry

Travel, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Secondary Industry

Travel, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Job Overview

The General Manager in Zanzibar is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the establishment, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, optimising business performance, and maintaining high standards of service and compliance. This role demands strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the travel, leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors. The General Manager acts as the primary point of contact for all business activities and represents the organisation within the local community and wider industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all daily operational activities to ensure efficient and effective service delivery across all departments.
• Develop, implement and monitor business strategies, operational plans and budgets to achieve financial targets and maximise profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all local, regional and national regulations, including health and safety, licencing and environmental standards.
• Maintain exceptional standards of customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction and prompt resolution of any issues or complaints.
• Recruit, train, mentor and manage staff to build a motivated, skilled and customer-focused workforce.
• Oversee procurement processes to control costs and ensure quality of goods and services.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, partners and local authorities to support business objectives and community engagement.
• Analyse business performance data and prepare regular reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive marketing initiatives and promotional activities to enhance brand visibility and increase market share.
• Promote sustainability and responsible tourism practises throughout operations.
• Manage risk and implement contingency plans to address potential operational challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Tourism or a related field.
• Proven track record of successful management experience within the travel, leisure, tourism or hospitality industry.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge of operational procedures, health and safety regulations and customer service standards.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Hospitality or Tourism Management.
• Experience working within the East African or wider African tourism market.
• Additional language skills relevant to the region.
• Familiarity with sustainable tourism and environmental management practises.
• Competence in using business management software and systems.

Experience

• Minimum of five years’ senior management experience in a comparable role within the travel, leisure or hospitality sectors.
• Proven experience managing multi‑department operations in a dynamic and diverse environment.
• Demonstrable success in achieving financial and operational targets.
• Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders including government bodies, suppliers and guests.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Sound understanding of customer service excellence.
• Financial literacy including analysis, reporting and budget management.

Working Conditions

• Full‑time role based in Zanzibar North, Tanzania, requiring presence on‑site.
• Work includes regular interaction with guests, staff and external stakeholders.
• Occasional requirement to work outside normal office hours including weekends and public holidays.
• Environment includes exposure to tropical climate conditions.
• Travel within the region and occasionally to head office or partner locations may be required.