Operations Manager - Coastal Resort

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a premier coastal resort in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead day-to-day resort operations across Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B and Maintenance to deliver exceptional guest experiences while driving profitability.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in senior hospitality operations, a degree in Hospitality Management, and proven budgeting and leadership capabilities. Flexibility to work weekends/holidays is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior operational management role within hospitality.
• Degree in Hospitality Management or related field advantageous.
• Proven Budgeting, P&L management and cost-control experience.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, and Maintenance.
• Ensure high-quality guest services and satisfaction across touchpoints.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and drive profitability strategies.
• Develop and enforce SOPs to sustain efficiency and consistency.
• Lead, motivate and develop department heads and staff.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to boost occupancy and revenue.
• Manage supplier relationships and procurement activities.
• Address guest feedback and operational challenges promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting & P&L

Hospitality operations

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

Hotel management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier coastal resort situated in the scenic town of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is actively seeking a seasoned Operations Manager. This critical role is responsible for the efficient and effective management of the resort's day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and profitability across all departments. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of hospitality operations, and a proven ability to manage diverse teams. You will oversee departments such as accommodation, food and beverage, activities, and maintenance, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to high standards. This is an excellent opportunity to lead operational excellence in a sought-after tourist destination.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate the operations of all resort departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Maintenance.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality guest services and satisfaction across all touchpoints.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and implement strategies to enhance profitability.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures to maintain efficiency and consistency.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of department heads and staff.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections of resort facilities and services to ensure quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to drive occupancy and revenue.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure efficient procurement of goods and services.
• Address and resolve guest feedback and operational challenges promptly and effectively.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior operational management role within the hospitality industry, preferably in a resort environment.
• A degree in Hospitality Management or a related field is advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, P&L, and driving operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with hotel management systems and operational software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet operational demands.
• A passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high service standards.
• Understanding of the unique operational demands of a coastal resort.
• Knowledge of local tourism attractions and market dynamics in KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Employees will have access to discounted rates on resort services and accommodation, as well as opportunities for professional development and career progression within a reputable hospitality group. This role offers the chance to be instrumental in the success of a beautiful resort in Richards Bay, fostering a great team culture and delivering memorable guest stays.