Hotel Manager

Headhunters (South Africa); Graaff-Reinet; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters (South Africa) is seeking an experienced senior hotel leader to drive day-to-day operations across all departments and deliver a premium guest experience in a boutique luxury property.

The role requires 7-10 years of hospitality experience with at least 3 years in a senior management position, and a strong track record in high-end properties. Flexibility in hours and a commitment to excellence are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or related field.
• 7-10 years of hospitality experience with at least 3 years in a senior management role (Hotel Manager, Operations Manager, or equivalent).
• Strong track record in boutique, luxury, or high-end properties.
• Familiarity with property management systems (e.g., Opera, Micros, or similar PMS/POS).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership across all operational departments to ensure seamless hotel operations.
• Guide HODs in setting and achieving departmental goals aligned with the overall business strategy.
• Ensure service standards, guest care, and operational procedures are implemented consistently across all departments.
• Monitor daily operations, anticipate potential issues, and ensure proactive problem-solving to uphold guest satisfaction.
• Serve as Acting General Manager in the absence of the Managing Director.
• Comply with all applicable South African hospitality and labour laws.
• Ensure all staff are trained on, and adhere to, health and safety practices.
• Safeguard confidential guest and staff information in line with privacy regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service excellence

Budgeting & financial oversight

Staff development

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management

Tools

Opera PMS

Micros PMS

Job description

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or related field.
• 7-10 years of hospitality experience with at least 3 years in a senior management role (Hotel Manager, Operations Manager, or equivalent).
• Strong track record in boutique, luxury, or high-end properties.
• Familiarity with property management systems (e.g., Opera, Micros, or similar PMS/POS).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or related field.
• 7-10 years of hospitality experience with at least 3 years in a senior management role (Hotel Manager, Operations Manager, or equivalent).
• Strong track record in boutique, luxury, or high-end properties.
• Familiarity with property management systems (e.g., Opera, Micros, or similar PMS/POS).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Operations

• Provide day-to-day leadership across all operational departments to ensure seamless hotel operations.
• Guide HODs in setting and achieving departmental goals aligned with the overall business strategy.
• Ensure service standards, guest care, and operational procedures are implemented consistently across all departments.
• Monitor daily operations, anticipate potential issues, and ensure proactive problem-solving to uphold guest satisfaction.
• Serve as Acting General Manager in the absence of the Managing Director.
• Comply with all applicable South African hospitality and labour laws.
• Ensure all staff are trained on, and adhere to, health and safety practices.
• Safeguard confidential guest and staff information in line with privacy regulations.

Financial Management

• Work with the Finance Director to prepare, monitor, and manage budgets and forecasts.
• Review departmental performance monthly and provide clear direction to ensure financial targets are met.
• Approve departmental budgets and manage expenditure in line with financial objectives.
• Maximise room revenue and yield through effective rate management, upselling, and occupancy strategies.
• Implement strict cost control measures across all operating areas, including payroll, purchasing, and inventory.

Guest Experience and Quality

• Oversee the delivery of a premium, personalised guest experience in all areas of the hotel.
• Monitor and respond to guest feedback through surveys, online platforms, and direct interaction.
• Ensure swift resolution of guest complaints and service recovery in line with brand values.
• Champion a culture of hospitality excellence and continuous improvement across all teams.
• Build and maintain strong guest relationships, engaging personally with VIPs and regular guests.
• Represent the hotel at community, tourism, and media events as required to strengthen brand visibility.
• Ensure SOPs are implemented, documented, and adhered to across all departments.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, food outlets, and back-of-house to maintain quality.
• Review quality performance metrics and identify improvement opportunities.
• Take proactive steps to ensure service consistency and operational excellence.

Human Resources and People Leadership

• Lead and motivate HODs to deliver departmental objectives and service excellence.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, performance reviews, and development planning for HODs.
• Promote succession planning and training to develop future leaders within the hotel.
• Foster a positive workplace culture based on respect, accountability, teamwork, and recognition.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure fair labour practices, compliance, and staff well-being.
• Ensure guest-facing areas reflect the boutique luxury positioning of the hotel.
• Monitor cleanliness, presentation, and safety standards throughout the property.

Please note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.