General Manager

Recruiter:

Wild Dreams Hospitality

Job Ref:

WDH001604/Trav

Date posted:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Location:

Capetown, South Africa

SUMMARY:
A stylish 5-star urban hotel is looking for a strong ððð¡ðð¥ðð ð ðð¡ðððð¥

POSITION INFO:
We’re looking for a General Manager with character, intuition, and charisma — someone who has already mastered the art of big-brand luxury but now longs for something warmer and more soulful. A space where hospitality is not scripted, but lived. Where attention to detail isn’t about ticking boxes, but creating moments that matter. This boutique hotel and its award-winning fine dining restaurant in Cape Town offer just that: a place where you can lead a high-performing team, shape an unforgettable guest experience, and be part of a community that values heart as much as head.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Develop and execute annual business plans for both the hotel and restaurant, ensuring alignment with the broader vision and goals.
Align operational objectives with brand positioning, guest experience targets, and financial performance.
Lead cross-functional coordination between hotel and restaurant operations.
Maintain and promote the brand's reputation through site inspections, media hosting, and market engagement.
Act as the key liaison between the support office and on-site operations, ensuring alignment of strategies and seamless communication.

Guest Experience, Innovation & Brand Standards

Oversee the full guest journey from pre-arrival to post-departure, ensuring exceptional service across all touchpoints.
Monitor feedback channels and personally manage key complaints, using insights for continuous improvement.
Maintain brand-consistent design, ambiance, and experiential elements.
Benchmark offerings against industry trends and competitors to ensure innovation and relevance.
Take an active role in guest hosting to cultivate relationships and deliver highly personalized experiences.

Financial Management & Procurement

Develop, manage, and report on budgets and forecasts at property level.
Drive profitability by managing costs and overseeing the full P&L of both operations.
Support procurement initiatives to secure favorable supplier agreements.
Approve purchasing and capital expenditure in accordance with company policy.

Team Leadership, Succession & Culture

Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of key team members across both hotel and restaurant.
Conduct monthly departmental meetings and one-on-ones with direct reports.
Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
Implement structured performance systems including KPIs, reviews, and succession planning.
Provide operational support during critical vacancies to ensure business continuity.
Drive staff development and identify talent for future leadership roles.
Oversee cross-property training initiatives and external training coordination.

Sales, Marketing & Revenue Generation

Partner with central sales and marketing teams to boost direct bookings and restaurant footfall.
Support event sales, brand activations, and guest engagement strategies.
Monitor and adjust pricing, packages, and promotions to maintain market competitiveness.
Manage site inspections to ensure they reflect brand standards and professionalism.

Compliance, Community & Standards

Ensure strict compliance with all labour, health and safety, and food safety legislation.
Oversee cleanliness, maintenance, and hygiene across the entire property.
Implement and audit SOPs and quality control systems across departments.
Lead sustainability and risk management practices, including measures for local challenges like water shortages and load shedding.

Neighbourhood Engagement

Cultivate partnerships that position the hotel and restaurant positively within the community.
Represent the property in local forums, initiatives, and stakeholder groups.
Build relationships with nearby businesses to enhance the broader area brand and guest offering.
Champion initiatives that improve the appearance and environment of the surrounding district.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management or Business Administration
10–15 years’ experience in hospitality, with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles
Proven success in luxury boutique hotel and/or fine dining environments
In-depth knowledge of Cape Town’s tourism and culinary landscape
Proficiency with PMS, POS, and revenue management systems
Valid driver’s license and flexibility to work weekends and non-standard hours
Strategic thinker with strong operational capabilities
Strong financial and commercial acumen
Exceptional guest service mindset, particularly in luxury settings
Strong leadership, motivation, and team development abilities
Calm, solutions-oriented approach under pressure
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
High emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement skills