Luxury Resort Operations Director

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Housing allowance

Professional development

Employee discounts

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Operations Director for a premier luxury resort in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will lead all resort operations, drive profitability, and ensure world-class guest experiences in a high-end hospitality setting.

The role demands 12+ years in hotel operations, with 5+ years at director level, strong leadership, P&L mastery, and a focus on service excellence. Hybrid work is offered, with on-site leadership and strategic off-site planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive hotel operations experience with at least 5 years in a Director-level role at a luxury property.
• Proven ability to manage complex hotel operations and improve financial performance.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with luxury hospitality standards and guest expectations.
• Budget management, P&L analysis, and cost optimization.
• Ability to balance on-site leadership with strategic off-site planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the operations of all resort departments.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with vision and financial objectives.
• Ensure delivery of exceptional guest service standards and personalized experiences.
• Manage departmental budgets, focusing on revenue, cost control, profitability.
• Lead and develop a team of department heads and staff.
• Ensure policies and procedures are efficient and compliant.
• Collaborate with General Manager on strategic initiatives and business development.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement processes.
• Maintain luxurious facility standards.
• Drive innovation in operational services and guest offerings.
• Participate in executive meetings and contribute to management of the Pretoria resort.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Communication skills

Guest service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

PMS (Property Management Systems)

Operational software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a distinguished luxury resort brand, is seeking an accomplished Operations Director to lead and enhance the operational excellence of their premier property located in Pretoria. This pivotal role requires a strategic leader with a proven history of driving efficiency, profitability, and unparalleled guest satisfaction in a high-end hospitality environment. You will be responsible for overseeing all operational departments, ensuring seamless integration, and upholding the resort's commitment to exquisite service and world-class facilities. This is a significant opportunity to influence the guest experience in Gauteng's exclusive leisure sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the operations of all resort departments, including Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Spa, Recreation, and Engineering.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with the company's vision and financial objectives.
• Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional guest service standards and personalized experiences.
• Manage departmental budgets, focusing on revenue enhancement, cost control, and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of department heads and operational staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Implement and monitor operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and other executives on strategic initiatives and business development.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement processes for operational supplies and services.
• Ensure the resort's physical assets are well-maintained and meet luxury standards.
• Drive innovation in operational services and guest offerings.
• Actively participate in executive meetings and contribute to the overall management of the Pretoria resort.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in hotel operations management, with at least 5 years in a Director-level role at a luxury property.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex hotel operations and driving financial performance.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of luxury hospitality standards and guest expectations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in property management systems (PMS) and operational software.
• Experience in budget management, P&L analysis, and cost optimization.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work model, balancing on-site leadership with strategic off-site planning.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Accommodation allowance or subsidized housing options.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to resort amenities and employee discounts.
• A hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Key leadership role within a prestigious resort in Gauteng.