Zanzibar General Manager

CFS Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 735,000 - 919,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Annual return ticket to home country

Job summary

CFS Recruitment seeks a Zanzibar General Manager with German, French or Italian language skills and proven resort leadership to oversee operations across Zanzibar South and Central. You will drive guest experience, operational excellence and sustainable growth in a high-end hospitality setting.

Based in Zanzibar, you will manage multi-site operations, budgets, and teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and build local partnerships.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in senior management within travel, leisure, tourism or hospitality.
• Experience leading multi-site operations and driving growth.
• East Africa or similar emerging markets experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the business across Zanzibar South and Central.
• Develop strategic plans to maximise revenue, profitability and market share.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and safety regulations.
• Oversee guest services and maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Manage budgets, costs and resource allocation for efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Degree in Hospitality Management / Business Administration / Tourism

Job description

Zanzibar General Manager - Must Speak German, French or Italian and have prior resort experience in high end 5*

Location

East Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar South and Central

Job Type

Permanent, Full-Time

Salary

USD 4,000 - 5,000 per month

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Annual return ticket to home country

Primary Industry

Travel, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Secondary Industry

Travel, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Job Description

The Zanzibar General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the business operations across Zanzibar South and Central regions. This role ensures the delivery of exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within the travel, leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors. The post holder drives strategic initiatives, manages resources efficiently, and upholds company standards in line with local regulations and market conditions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, operations, finance, and human resources to achieve organisational objectives.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to maximise revenue, profitability, and market share in the Zanzibar region.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local laws, health and safety regulations, and company policies.
• Oversee guest services to maintain high standards of customer satisfaction and address any issues promptly.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimise resource allocation to improve operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, partners, suppliers, and government authorities.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to foster a motivated, professional, and customer-focused workforce.
• Monitor performance metrics, prepare reports, and present findings to senior management regularly.
• Identify new business opportunities and market trends to expand the company’s presence in the region.
• Promote sustainability initiatives and ensure responsible tourism practises are embedded within operations.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Tourism or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in senior management roles within the travel, leisure, tourism or hospitality industries.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site operations and delivering business growth.
• Experience working in East Africa or comparable emerging markets is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams in a multicultural environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent leadership and people management capabilities.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and cost control.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans effectively.
• Good understanding of the local market, cultural sensitivities, and regulatory environment.
• Proficient in the use of business software and management information systems.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience with sustainable tourism practises and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Fluency in Swahili or other regional languages.

Working Conditions

• The role is based in Zanzibar, Tanzania, requiring regular travel within the South and Central regions.
• Full-time hours are expected, with flexibility to work outside normal office hours as needed.
• The environment involves working in both office settings and operational sites such as hotels, resorts, and tourism facilities.
• The role may require managing challenges related to infrastructure and local conditions common to emerging markets.
• Occasional attendance at industry events, government meetings, and community engagement activities is required.