Position Title: General Manager (Hospitality with Property element)

Location: Paarl, South Africa

Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) will oversee the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Hotel.

This leadership role acts as the key liaison between the property owners, body corporate and rental pool participants, ensuring seamless alignment between ownership obligations and world-class hospitality standards.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, experienced leader with a deep understanding of rental pool agreements, body corporate governance, and multiple ownership structures, alongside proven operational excellence in luxury hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

1.    Governance & Ownership Relations

• Manage all elements of the Rental Pool Agreement, ensuring compliance with the Hotel Management Agreement.
• Act as primary liaison between the body corporate, unit owners, and Hotel Management.
• Maintain transparent and regular communication with owners and stakeholders.
• Oversee owner relations, including distributions, reporting, and dispute resolution.

2. Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and capital plans.
• Monitor revenue, cost efficiencies, and profit margins.
• Oversee financial reconciliations and rental pool allocations.
• Report financial performance to Hotel Management, owners, and the body corporate.
• Drive commercial strategy to maximise Occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and ancillary revenue streams.

3. Operations Management

• Ensure exceptional guest experiences in alignment with brand standards.
• Lead all departments including Rooms, F&B, Maintenance, and Guest Relations.
• Implement and maintain SOPs and operational compliance standards.
• Enforce health & safety, legal, and statutory compliance.

4. Human Resources & Leadership

• Recruit, train, and retain a high-performing, service-driven team.
• Build a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct staff performance reviews, training, and succession planning.

5. Stakeholder & Brand Management

• Uphold brand integrity across all guest touchpoints.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams on systems, strategy, and compliance.
• Engage effectively with local stakeholders, including estate management and tourism bodies.
• Lead property marketing, PR initiatives, and guest loyalty programs.

6. Strategic Development

• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and improved service delivery.
• Align hotel performance with global benchmarks.
• Integrate ESG and sustainability practices in day-to-day operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business Administration or related field (Master’s advantageous).
• Minimum 8–10 years in senior hospitality leadership roles, with 3–5 years as GM or Deputy GM.
• Proven track record in managing properties under rental pool and body corporate structures.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder reporting.
• Experience working within an international hotel brand.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Balance commercial, owner, and guest priorities.
• Financial Expertise: P&L, CAPEX, owner returns, and financial planning.
• Stakeholder Management: Navigate complex ownership structures with diplomacy.
• Operational Excellence: Proven success in delivering luxury guest service.
• Team Leadership: Build motivated teams with a performance-driven culture.
• Adaptability: Agile within both boutique and global hospitality systems.