Senior Operations Manager - Luxury Event Venue

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for a premier luxury event venue in Pretoria. You will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring flawless service, safety, and efficiency across corporate functions, state visits, and social gatherings.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, optimize facilities, security, catering liaison, and event coordination, while maintaining budget controls and high standards of client satisfaction. Strong leadership and strategic thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably in luxury event venues or hospitality.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale events and diverse teams.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and financial acumen.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with event management software and standard office applications.
• Based in Pretoria or willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all venue operations including facilities, security, and event support services.
• Ensure presentation, cleanliness, safety, and compliance at all times.
• Coordinate with external vendors such as catering, AV, and decor.
• Develop and implement operational policies to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Manage the operational budget and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of operational staff.
• Serve as primary client contact during planning and execution of events.
• Identify challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Plan risk assessment and contingency for all events.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Health & safety

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field

Tools

Event management software

Office suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier luxury event venue situated in the administrative capital of Pretoria , is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager. This key role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the venue, ensuring the highest standards of service, safety, and efficiency are met for a diverse range of high-profile events, including corporate functions, state visits, and exclusive social gatherings. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of venue management, hospitality, and event logistics. You will manage a multi-disciplinary team, including facilities management, security, catering liaison, and event coordination, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the reputation of a leading event destination in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all operational aspects of the venue, including facilities, grounds, security, and event support services.
• Ensure the venue is maintained to the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness, and safety at all times.
• Oversee and coordinate with external vendors and service providers, including catering, AV, and decor.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of operational staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders during event planning and execution.
• Proactively identify and address operational challenges, implementing effective solutions.
• Manage risk assessment and contingency planning for all events hosted at the venue.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably within the luxury event venue, hospitality, or facilities management sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operations and large-scale events.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and security protocols in a venue setting.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria , Gauteng.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary package, complemented by performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including health insurance and retirement contributions. This role provides a significant opportunity for professional growth and career advancement within a leading event management company. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering world-class event experiences. Access to ongoing training and development programs will be provided, enabling you to stay at the forefront of the industry in Pretoria .