Senior Hospitality Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement opportunities

Company vehicle or accommodation

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks a seasoned Senior Hospitality Operations Manager to oversee multiple venues, drive profitability, and maintain service excellence across all properties. This on-site role requires strategic oversight, strong leadership, and a solid track record in hospitality management.

You will lead a diverse team, manage budgets, and implement best practices to optimize guest experiences and operations within KwaZulu-Natal’s hospitality sector.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in hospitality management with at least 4 years in a senior operational leadership role overseeing multiple units.
• Proven experience managing P&Ls, budgets, and driving profitability.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building and motivational skills.
• Strong understanding of accommodation, food & beverage, and events operations.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and strategic planning abilities.
• Proven ability to implement and maintain high service standards.
• Willingness to travel within the region and extended hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple hospitality venues (hotels, restaurants, event spaces).
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve revenue and profitability goals.
• Manage budgets, control costs and meet financial targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers and staff.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality service aligned with brand standards.
• Implement operational procedures, quality controls, and health & safety compliance.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and business development.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for pricing and quality.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide training for staff.
• Represent the company in Richards Bay community and build stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Senior leadership

P&L management

Budgeting

Team building

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Business Administration

Tools

Hospitality management software

Financial reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent hospitality group with significant operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a seasoned Senior Hospitality Operations Manager. This role is critical for overseeing and optimizing the performance of multiple hospitality venues, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for strategic planning, budget management, staff leadership, and upholding the highest standards of service across all managed properties. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in hospitality management, a keen business acumen, and a proven ability to drive profitability and guest satisfaction. This is a hands-on, on-site role demanding a strong presence and leadership within the Richards Bay community and its surrounding hospitality sector. You will be a key driver of success for our client's expanding portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple hospitality establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and event venues.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve revenue and profitability goals.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure financial performance targets are met or exceeded.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of managers and staff across various departments.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality service and guest experiences that align with brand standards.
• Implement and monitor operational procedures, quality control measures, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and business development.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for optimal pricing and quality.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development for staff.
• Represent the company in the Richards Bay community and build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in hospitality management, with at least 4 years in a senior operational leadership role overseeing multiple units.
• Demonstrated success in managing P&Ls, budgets, and driving profitability.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Strong understanding of all aspects of hospitality operations, including accommodation, food & beverage, and events.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning abilities.
• Proven ability to implement and maintain high service standards.
• Proficiency in hospitality management software and financial reporting tools.
• A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the KwaZulu-Natal and specifically the Richards Bay tourism and hospitality market.
• Willingness to travel within the region and potentially work extended hours as needed.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading hospitality group.
• Responsibility for impactful operational decisions and strategic direction.
• Accommodation allowance or company vehicle may be provided.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates to the Richards Bay area.