Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager for a luxury property group based in Cape Town. This is not just a role—it is a calling for someone who embodies leadership with grace, intuition, and a genuine passion for hospitality. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from the world of luxury hospitality, but seek something more soulful and human-centred.
This boutique hotel and its award-winning fine dining restaurant offer a refined, yet heartfelt guest experience. The successful candidate will become the visible anchor of the property, leading from the front with warmth, wisdom, and a lightness of touch. They will play an instrumental role in shaping the guest journey, mentoring a high-performing team, and delivering a standard of excellence that goes beyond traditional luxury.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Develop and execute annual business plans for the hotel and restaurant in alignment with the group’s vision.
Drive operational excellence by aligning strategy with brand positioning, guest expectations, and financial goals.
Foster cross-functional collaboration between hotel and restaurant operations.
Represent the property in market engagements, site inspections, and media hosting.
Serve as the main liaison between the support office and on-site operations.
Guest Experience, Innovation & Brand Standards
Oversee the guest journey from pre-arrival to post-departure, ensuring exceptional service throughout.
Actively manage feedback and key guest concerns, using insights to enhance service.
Maintain the aesthetic and experiential standards aligned with the brand.
Benchmark services against luxury industry trends to ensure innovation and quality.
Maintain a highly visible presence, building guest relationships through personal hosting.
Financial Management & Procurement
Manage property-level budgets and forecasts with a focus on profitability.
Monitor costs and control expenditure to optimise financial performance.
Oversee procurement processes and capital spending, ensuring value and compliance.
Team Leadership, Succession & Culture
Recruit and manage key personnel, ensuring strong departmental leadership.
Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions with direct reports.
Cultivate a high-performance culture driven by service, accountability, and innovation.
Implement structured performance reviews, training plans, and succession planning.
Temporarily step into critical roles as needed to support continuity.
Sales, Marketing & Revenue Generation
Work closely with sales and marketing teams to drive direct bookings and visibility.
Support promotional events, brand partnerships, and guest engagement strategies.
Monitor pricing and promotions to ensure market competitiveness.
Host key inspections and ensure brand-aligned experiences are consistently delivered.
Compliance, Community & Standards
Ensure full compliance with labour, health and safety, and food hygiene regulations.
Oversee maintenance, hygiene, and quality control standards across all departments.
Strategically implement sustainable, efficient practices, mindful of local risks such as load shedding and water scarcity.
Neighbourhood Engagement
Develop positive relationships with local stakeholders and community groups.
Represent the hotel and restaurant in community forums and local initiatives.
Forge connections with neighbouring businesses to support the area’s growth and appeal.
Champion aesthetic and community improvements in the surrounding district.
Required Skills and Experience
Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or Business Administration.
10–15 years of hospitality experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
Proven success in luxury boutique hotels and fine dining environments.
In-depth knowledge of the Cape Town hospitality and tourism market.
Proficiency with property management and revenue systems.
Valid driver’s licence and willingness to work flexible hours.
Commercial acumen with strong strategic and operational capabilities.
Genuine guest focus with luxury service orientation.
Inspirational leadership and team development skills.
Composure and problem-solving ability under pressure.
High level of emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement.
Maximising Impact
Excellent attention to detail and guest-centred approach.
Strong verbal and written communication with transparency and honesty.
Positive attitude, time management skills, and emotional control.
Creative and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.
Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
Loyal, adaptable, and focused under pressure.
Demonstrates patience, tolerance, and genuine care in all interactions.
If you meet the above criteria and are ready for the next chapter in your hospitality career, Kendrick Recruitment invites you to apply by sending through your CV.