South Africa: Group Operations Director posted by Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment

GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EAST AFRICA

Kenya-Based | Executive Leadership Appointment

Employment Type

Full-Time | Executive Management | Regional Oversight Role

Location

Based in Kenya with extensive travel across safari lodge operations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda

THE OPPORTUNITY

A rare and high-impact executive opportunity exists for an accomplished Group Operations Director East Africa to take leadership responsibility for a prestigious portfolio of luxury safari lodges operating across multiple East African countries.

This role is designed for a commercially astute, operationally rigorous hospitality leader with deep experience in multi-property, cross-border operations, ideally within safari lodges, remote luxury environments, or destination hospitality.

The successful candidate will act as the regional operational custodian, ensuring consistent excellence in guest experience, financial performance, people leadership, and sustainability across geographically dispersed assets.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to Group Executive leadership and the Board, the Group Operations Director will assume full accountability for operational performance and profitability across the East African portfolio.

The position requires a hands-on yet strategic leader who can balance on-the-ground operational engagement with board-level strategic planning, while leading diverse teams across different regulatory, cultural, and logistical environments.

This is both a leadership and transformation role, focused on elevating standards, strengthening systems, optimising performance, and future-proofing the hospitality portfolio.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Executive & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the regional operations strategy aligned with long-term group objectives
  Translate corporate vision into clear operational frameworks and performance plans
  Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term capital planning across all properties
  Identify opportunities for growth, operational optimisation, and asset enhancement
  Provide structured, data-driven reporting to executive leadership and the Board

Multi-Country Operational Oversight

• Provide direct leadership and oversight to General Managers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
  Ensure consistent operating standards, service delivery, and brand alignment across all lodges
  Conduct regular site visits, operational audits, and performance reviews
  Drive operational efficiency while safeguarding guest experience and authenticity
  Oversee compliance with safety, labour, environmental, and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Full P&L accountability for the regional hospitality portfolio
  Drive revenue optimisation through pricing strategy, yield management, and product development
  Monitor and control costs without compromising service quality or sustainability standards
  Implement and track KPIs including occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, margins, and cash flow
  Ensure strong financial governance, reporting accuracy, and cost discipline

Sales, Marketing & Market Positioning

• Work closely with Group Sales & Marketing leadership to strengthen international market presence
  Support trade partnerships with tour operators, DMCs, and key distribution partners
  Ensure operational delivery aligns with brand promise and market positioning
  Monitor tourism trends, competitor activity, and guest expectations to inform strategy

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

• Champion a guest-centric culture across all operations
  Set and enforce service standards aligned with luxury safari hospitality expectations
  Oversee guest feedback platforms, review management, and continuous improvement initiatives
  Drive innovation in experiential offerings, food & beverage, and wellness concepts

People Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop General Managers and senior operational leaders
  Drive succession planning, leadership development, and performance management frameworks
  Build a culture of accountability, empowerment, and cross-border collaboration
  Ensure best-practice HR, employee engagement, and retention strategies are implemented

Sustainability, Conservation & Community Impact

• Ensure all operations align with ESG and responsible tourism principles
  Support conservation initiatives and meaningful community engagement programs
  Foster strong relationships with government bodies, conservation authorities, and local stakeholders
  Embed sustainability metrics into operational and financial performance reporting

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• 1015+ years senior leadership experience in luxury hospitality or tourism operations
  Proven experience managing multi-property portfolios across multiple countries
  Strong exposure to East Africa or comparable emerging markets
  Demonstrated success in P&L management, strategic planning, and operational leadership
  Bachelors Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Business Administration, or related discipline
  MBA or postgraduate qualification advantageous
  Strong leadership presence, high emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity
  Comfortable operating in remote locations and dynamic environments

SALARY & REMUNERATION STRUCTURE

A highly competitive executive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with experience and seniority, and is structured to attract top-tier regional or international talent.

Indicative structure includes:

• Tax-free net monthly salary (USD-based), negotiable depending on experience
  Local living allowance (taxable) sufficient for executive-level living in Kenya
  Annual performance-based incentive / bonus linked to financial and operational KPIs
  Annual gratuity equivalent to one months net salary per completed year of service
  Company-paid statutory contributions in line with local legislation
  Local Medical including hospital cover
  Executive accommodation support or housing allowance (single or family status)
  Company vehicle
  Company-provided laptop, mobile phone, and communication allowance
  Work permit, visas, and relocation support fully covered
  30 days paid annual leave, plus one annual return air ticket to country of origin

Contract tenure: Renewable executive contract with long-term career progression potential.

WHY CONSIDER THIS ROLE

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a regionally significant luxury safari portfolio, working at executive level with meaningful strategic influence.

The role offers:
Significant leadership autonomy
Exposure to Board-level decision-making
The chance to make a lasting impact on hospitality, conservation, and communities
A purpose-driven environment within one of Africas most compelling tourism regions