Hazyview: Operational Partner/General Manager. posted by HotelJobs

Operational Partner/General Manager. World Class 5* Lodge & Spa Hazyview To lead the restructuring of its iconic Retreat estate in Hazyview, Mpumalanga; Consolidating 13 tented suites, 2 villas, spa, restaurant, and agricultural assets into a high-performance entity. To have a high level of independence in your role, with real authority to influence decisions and help change or improve how the business operates. Your work would make a meaningful, lasting difference to a well-known and respected property in South Africa not just maintaining it, but helping it evolve or grow. Qualifications: Degree in business/hospitality/management; 510 years multi-departmental leadership; 10 years Hotel Management experience in 5* properties required. This on-site role reports to the owner. The position priorities hands-on leadership, HR transformation, and operational excellencefinancial understanding is valuable but secondary to proven change management grit. Executive Overview The Retreat is undergoing a pivotal clean-slate transition to professionalize operations, optimize the R25m annual turnover, and restore its world-class status. The GM will drive operational consolidation, workforce restructuring (exiting union structures for a high-performance team), and cultural transformation to unify farm and lodge staff. You would have a high level of independence in your role, with real authority to influence decisions and help change or improve how the business operates. Your work would make a meaningful, lasting difference to a well-known and respected property in South Africa not just maintaining it, but helping it evolve or grow. Core Responsibilities Leadership & HR Execute total HR restructure: recruit core team, develop personnel policies, foster trust/accountability to resolve remuneration/tip disputes. Set KPIs for heads of department, ensure legal compliance. Operations & Guest Experience Oversee day-to-day management for five-star standards across tented suites, villas, spa (SalonBridge), restaurant (Tablet POS), and farm. Conduct daily meetings with heads-of-departments. Manage inventory control for farm-to-table sourcing, health/safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., water efficiency). Utilize Room Raccoon for property management. Financial Management Support P&L accountability through collaboration with the owner on budgets, internal payment controls, and oversight. Manage capital, maintenance, and FFE projects within budgets. Integrate Xero accounting; provide daily finance updates and reports to the owner. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Occupancy growth exceeding prior years. Turnover and EBITDA targets aligned to R25m revenue and R3m EBITDA Staff turnover reduction and union exit Food cost reduction and 98% inventory accuracy benchmarks Candidate Profile Proven leadership in managing complex workforces through change; trusted yet decisive. Hands-on operational grit; on-site requirement. Tech-savvy with Xero, Room Raccoon, SalonBridge, Tablet POS. Solid financial understanding to support P&L oversight (accounting/finance background advantageous but not required). Qualifications: Degree in business/hospitality/management preferred; 510 years multi-departmental leadership; Comfortable with high-performance standards and regulatory compliance (labour laws, tourism grading, environmental farm standards) Why Join the Estate ? Autonomy with direct input to reshape the business; profit-share upside; transformative impact on an iconic South African estate. Youd have freedom and influence, the chance to earn more if the business succeeds, and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at a prestigious estate. You would have a high level of independence in your role, with real authority to influence decisions and help change or improve how the business operates. Your work would make a meaningful, lasting difference to a well-known and respected property in South Africa not just maintaining it, but helping it evolve or grow. Offers a competitive base of R65 000R85 000 per month. Additional Incentive Profit share