This is more than a job title. Its a calling for someone who brings not only proven leadership but also depth, grace, and a genuine love for hospitality. Were 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 isnt 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. Youll be the visible anchor of the property hosting guests with natural warmth, working shoulder-to-shoulder with your team, and guiding the business with both wisdom and a lightness of touch. If you’re someone who finds joy in greeting returning guests by name, who knows how to create magic in the everyday, and if youre looking for a lifestyle fit for the next chapter in your career and life, wed love to meet you. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic & Operational Leadership Develop and execute annual business plans for the hotel and restaurant ensuring alignment with the group’s vision and goals. Align operational goals with brand positioning, guest experience targets, and financial objectives. Lead cross-functional coordination between hotel and restaurant operations. Maintain and communicate the goodwill of the brand through site inspections, hosting journalists, and engaging with the market. Act as the primary liaison between the support office and the hotel and restaurant, ensuring effective communication and alignment of goals and strategies. Guest Experience, Innovation & Brand Standards Lead the guest experience from pre-arrival to post-departure, ensuring seamless luxury service across guest touchpoints. Monitor guest feedback channels and personally manage key complaints, using feedback as a learning opportunity. Maintain brand-aligned design, ambiance, and experiential offerings. Benchmark against industry trends and competitor offerings to maintain innovative service standards. Take a proactive, visible role in guest hosting to build relationships and ensure a personalized experience throughout the guest journey. Financial Management & Procurement Develop, manage, and report on property-level budgets and forecasts. Control costs, optimise profitability, and manage P&L for both entities. Support procurement negotiations to achieve favourable property and group-level agreements. Approve purchasing and capital expenditure in line with company policy. Team Leadership, Succession & Culture Recruit, onboard, and manage key personnel across the hotel and restaurant. Conduct monthly departmental meetings and one-on-one sessions with all direct reports. Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence. Implement a structured performance management system, including personal KPIs, mid-year reviews, and succession planning. Step in temporarily during vacancies in key roles to ensure operational continuity. Facilitate staff development and identify high-potential talent for future leadership roles Support cross-property training and coordinate with external trainers as needed. Sales, Marketing & Revenue Generation Collaborate with the central sales and marketing team to drive direct bookings and foot traffic. Support event sales, brand partnerships, and guest engagement initiatives. Monitor pricing, packages, and promotions to maintain competitiveness. Manage and host key site inspections to ensure they are professionally hosted and aligned with the brand positioning. Compliance, Community & Standards Ensure compliance with labour legislation, health and safety, and food safety regulations. Oversee maintenance and hygiene standards across hotel and restaurant facilities. Implement SOPs and quality control audits across departments. Strategically evaluate and implement sustainable, energy-efficient practices that strengthen the long-term viability of the business, with specific consideration to business risks within the city such as water shortages and load shedding. Neighbourhood Engagement Establish and support community partnerships that reflect the busIness in a strong, positive light to relevant stakeholders. Manage the hotel and restaurants role as a stakeholder in the broader Kloof Street and Gardens community. Actively engage in neighbourhood groups, forums, body corporates and community initiatives to foster goodwill and local collaboration. Establish and maintain strong relationships with neighbouring businesses to promote and strengthen the Kloof Street district brand. Drive initiatives that contribute to the improvement and aesthetic upkeep of the surrounding district, ensuring it aligns with guest expectations and brand image. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management or Business Administration Minimum 10 – 15 years of hospitality experience, with 5 in senior leadership Proven track record in luxury boutique hotels and/or fine dining environments Deep understanding of Cape Towns tourism and culinary market Familiarity with PMS, POS, and revenue management systems Valid drivers license and ability to work flexible hours, including weekends Strategic thinking with hands-on operational ability Strong financial literacy and commercial acumen Guest-centric mindset with luxury service orientation Leadership, motivation, and people development skills Calm and solution-driven under pressure Excellent verbal and written communication High emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement capability MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE COMPANY Excellent attention to detail. Guest focus philosophy, living the brand and driving the experience. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication. Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control. Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution seeking skills. Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required. Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible. Must work accurately under pressure. People skills tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.
