Operations Manager Job in Kwale Kenya

Vacancy: Operations Manager

The Client: The client who is based in Diani, Galu Kinondo, Kwale County aims to provide an intimate place for family, friends and business associates to bond within the boutique hotel category. This service is directed towards both the international and domestic guest categories. 

With the establishment of new conferencing facilities, the client aims to be the destination of choice for strategic workshops and top-tier business meetings for under fifteen people. 

The client also aims to be the premier destination for weddings and honeymoons in the South Coast. They believe that bottom-line profitability is essential despite delivering a high-quality product and guest service. 

They also believe that sound business strategies and excellent execution make for successful business. And, most importantly, affirms that it is employees working as a team with management that will enable their dreams and aspirations of a world-class boutique hotel to become a reality.

The Position: Reporting to the Director(s), the Operations Manager’s role is to be the Team Leader in operations, directing the implementation of all operations related interventions and responding to the client service needs. 

The position oversees five key departments that are: Administration and Operations, Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Repairs and Maintenance, and Gardens. 

This position entails the provision of operations services to their clients and training plus oversight to their employees so that they understand what the demands of a five-star service require. 

In addition, the position oversees outsourcing of security and liaising with local police authorities so that guests and property are secure. 

The job is at least 80% based at our clients guest house with the remaining 20% dealing with administrative and marketing requirements both in Nairobi and Mombasa and internationally as may be required. 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Administration and Operations, Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Repairs and Maintenance, and Landscaping and Gardens department and ensure that each is operating efficiently as per Government of Kenya hygiene and safety standards, the client’s policy and subordinate staff job descriptions.
• Establish operational needs and attract clientele in the international and domestic categories through aggressive sales and marketing efforts in Nairobi and Mombasa.
• Deliver technical operational advice through regular weekly/monthly staff meetings and when appropriate design and deliver training programs to our employees. On a bi-annual basis, conduct performance appraisal and counseling sessions for staff against agreed targets.
• Oversee the delivery of operations services to our clients of including guest relations and develop timely interventions that address specific needs of clients so that repeat business is generated particularly on the domestic front.
• Take leadership as operational team leader in new business development and provision of effective client services from initial client inquiries, to guest stays and problem resolution, to guest farewells and follow-up to encourage repeat business. In support of new business development, participate in giving input to website design and marketing materials.
• Develop effective and strong working relationships with other tourism stakeholders in including: (KAHC), South Coast Residents Association, Kilifi Country Government (health and security units), (KAWT), Kenya Wildlife Service (beach patrol), and others. With them identify areas of collaboration, be involved in project planning and make regular presentations to tourism trade audiences, domestic corporates, donors and policy-makers.
• Collaborate closely with the Assistant Operations Manager and Heads of Department in the implementation of business activities including special events such as weddings and private functions, to include timely execution of the annual strategic plan and deliver on all agreed targets, development and tracking of project budget requirements; prepare defined weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Constantly update knowledge base in the boutique hotel industry, keep abreast with best practice trends that impact the tourism sector and use this information to bring on board new clients from key source markets (UK, Germany, France, etc.), the EAC region, and Kenya domestic business.
• Provide for accurate and cost effective procurement and ensure competitive bidding for purchases above Kenya Shillings ten thousand. Liaise with departments and ensure proper stocktaking records and timely reorder as determined by upcoming guest requirements. Liaise with the accountant and provide any data necessary for preparation of weekly, monthly and annual accounts.
• Ensure all employer and employees laws (e.g., NEMA, HACCP, Income Tax, etc.) are followed and that it is operating with requisite licenses as stipulated by Kenyan law.
• Liaise with guests in order to create a pleasurable stay experience, assess their experience, offering and obtain important feedback on how to enhance our product.
• Undertake any other duties and assignments that may be assigned by the director(s).

Position Requirements/Qualifications

• A University Degree/O-Level Certificate and a Higher Diploma in Tourism Management, Hotel Management or a related field is. 
• At least 7 years’ experience in hotel businesses relating to the tourism sector in Kenya. High-end boutique hotel related experience would be desirable.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to dialogue and network with the partner institutions, various tourism industry stakeholders including tour operators and agents.
• Should be fluent in English and Kiswahili. An additional source market language – for example, German, French, Mandarin or Italian – is highly desirable
• Proficient skills in use of computer programs including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Building Strategic Working Relationships
• Analytical Decision Making
• Should be innovative
• Should possess time management skills

Application Procedure:

Applicants should email their cover letter and CV with names of three referees who can provide confidential assessment of their capabilities. Indicate on your CV your current and expected salary.

All communication relating to application for these positions should be addressed to: therecexpert@gmail.com 

On the subject matter of the email, ensure you indicate the position you are applying for.

Applications should be received by 17th November 2014.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.