Head of Operations

Steenberg; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Steenberg is seeking a seasoned Head of Operations to lead the hotel, spa and restaurants, translating strategic priorities into daily excellence. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee multiple teams, ensure guest experiences meet Steenberg’s luxury standards, and drive continuous improvement across all service touchpoints.

The ideal candidate will bring proven senior leadership, strong financial acumen, and a track record of delivering consistent results in luxury hospitality,

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Management or a related field, or equivalent senior operational experience.
• Approximately 8–10 years' experience in hospitality operations, including 3–5 years in a senior management, general management or multi‑department leadership role.
• Experience across luxury hotel, food and beverage and/or spa operations is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading senior management teams and maintaining exceptional hospitality and service standards.
• Strong financial acumen, operational planning, budgeting and cost‑management capabilities.
• Sound knowledge of hospitality systems, operational reporting and guest‑experience management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Opera and Micros is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational risk, drive continuous improvement and deliver consistent results.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands‑on operational leadership across the hotel, spa and restaurants, ensuring seamless daily operations and consistently high standards.
• Lead, mentor and support the Executive Chef, Hotel Manager and Spa Manager, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional growth.
• Champion exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful service, attention to detail and effective service recovery.
• Oversee operational budgets, financial performance, cost management and resource allocation, ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation, cleanliness, health, safety, hygiene and facilities management throughout the hospitality offering.
• Monitor guest feedback, service standards and operational performance, identifying opportunities for meaningful and lasting improvement.
• Encourage effective communication and collaboration across departments, ensuring a connected and consistent approach to hospitality.
• Implement approved operational strategies, policies and procedures while maintaining the integrity of Steenberg's service standards.
• Oversee operational readiness, preventative maintenance and the successful implementation of approved projects and improvements.
• Proactively identify and manage operational risks, ensuring continuity, efficiency and a consistently welcoming guest environment.
• Provide the Managing Director with clear operational insights, performance reporting and considered recommendations.

Skills

Hospitality leadership

Financial acumen

Operational planning

Guest experience management

Communication

Risk management

Education

Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management

Tools

Excel

Opera

Micros

Job description

Company Description

Established in 1682, Steenberg Farm is a historic destination nested in Cape Town's Constantia Valley, where a rich heritage meets contemporary hospitality.

Home to Steenberg Hotel & Spa, the acclaimed Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 restaurants, and Steenberg Vineyards, the farm brings together exceptional accommodation, dining, wellness and wine experiences in a setting defined by its natural beauty and sense of place.

At Steenberg, thoughtful service, genuine connections and attention to detail shape every guest experience, creating a welcoming environment where heritage and contemporary luxury exist in harmony.

Role Description

An exciting opportunity exists for an accomplished hospitality professional to join Steenberg Hospitality as Head of Operations.

This senior leadership position oversees the day-to-day operations of Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the exceptional standards and considered hospitality for which Steenberg is known.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will provide visible, hands‑on leadership across the hospitality offering, guiding operational teams and translating approved business strategies and priorities into consistent daily execution.

The role calls for a commercially minded, decisive and highly organised leader who brings together operational excellence, genuine care for people and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of luxury hospitality.

• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Management or a related field, or equivalent senior operational experience.
• Approximately 8–10 years' experience in hospitality operations, including 3–5 years in a senior management, general management or multi‑department leadership role.
• Experience across luxury hotel, food and beverage and/or spa operations is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading senior management teams and maintaining exceptional hospitality and service standards.
• Strong financial acumen, operational planning, budgeting and cost‑management capabilities.
• Sound knowledge of hospitality systems, operational reporting and guest‑experience management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Opera and Micros is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational risk, drive continuous improvement and deliver consistent results.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands‑on operational leadership across the hotel, spa and restaurants, ensuring seamless daily operations and consistently high standards.
• Lead, mentor and support the Executive Chef, Hotel Manager and Spa Manager, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional growth.
• Champion exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful service, attention to detail and effective service recovery.
• Oversee operational budgets, financial performance, cost management and resource allocation, ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation, cleanliness, health, safety, hygiene and facilities management throughout the hospitality offering.
• Monitor guest feedback, service standards and operational performance, identifying opportunities for meaningful and lasting improvement.
• Encourage effective communication and collaboration across departments, ensuring a connected and consistent approach to hospitality.
• Implement approved operational strategies, policies and procedures while maintaining the integrity of Steenberg's service standards.
• Oversee operational readiness, preventative maintenance and the successful implementation of approved projects and improvements.
• Proactively identify and manage operational risks, ensuring continuity, efficiency and a consistently welcoming guest environment.
• Provide the Managing Director with clear operational insights, performance reporting and considered recommendations.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a thoughtful, structured and decisive leader who combines commercial awareness with a genuine passion for hospitality and people.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate attention to detail, sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire confidence through clear communication and consistent leadership.

With a natural appreciation for refined hospitality, they will understand the importance of creating meaningful guest experiences while supporting and developing the teams who bring them to life.

Above all, they will lead with integrity, professionalism and a commitment to preserving the distinctive character and exceptional standards of Steenberg Hospitality.