Senior Hotel Operations Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 950,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Housing allowance

Discounted hotel rates

Durban work environment

Job summary

A prestigious hospitality group in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Senior Hotel Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations at their flagship property. You will drive guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability while leading diverse departments and reporting to the General Manager.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in hotel operations with at least 2 years in a senior role, strong financial acumen, PMS proficiency, and outstanding leadership and

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive hotel operations experience, with at least 2 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience managing multiple departments in a luxury/upscale hotel.
• Strong financial acumen with budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with strong communication.
• Residency or eligibility to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, and Banqueting to ensure seamless service.
• Develop operational strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue.
• Manage departmental budgets and control costs to meet profitability targets.
• Lead and develop a diverse hospitality team; foster high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Monitor industry trends and implement best practices.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve complaints professionally.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to drive business.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

PMS software

Operations management

Guest service excellence

Team development

Communication

Education

Hospitality Management degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious hospitality group, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Hotel Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of their flagship property in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of hotel management principles, a proven track record of success, and a passion for delivering outstanding service. You will be instrumental in shaping the hotel's reputation and driving its continued growth within the vibrant **Durban** tourism sector. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively manage diverse teams and maintain the highest standards of service delivery. We are looking for a proactive leader who can identify opportunities for improvement and implement innovative solutions to enhance guest satisfaction and operational excellence across all departments. The successful candidate will report directly to the General Manager and play a key role in the executive team's strategic decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational departments including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Banqueting to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and maximize revenue.
• Manage departmental budgets, control costs, and ensure profitability targets are met or exceeded.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of hospitality professionals, fostering a positive and high-performance work environment.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations and standards.
• Monitor industry trends and implement best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve complaints promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing teams to drive business and promote the hotel.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to staff.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in hotel operations management, with at least 2 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience in managing multiple operational departments within a luxury or upscale hotel environment.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.A degree in Hospitality Management or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Property Management Systems (PMS) and other hotel operational software.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for delivering exceptional guest service and a keen eye for detail.
• Residency or eligibility to work in **South Africa** is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing international brand.
• Accommodation or housing allowance.
• Discounted rates at affiliated hotels worldwide.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in beautiful **Durban**.