General Manager – Boutique Hotel at Kontak Recruitment

• This is a hands-on General Manager position at a small, high-end boutique hotel set on a private farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The role is fully accountable for day-to-day operations, people leadership, guest experience, and financial oversight.
• The successful candidate will take full ownership of the property, acting as the senior decision-maker on site and the primary point of accountability. This is not a desk-based role. It requires strong presence, practical judgement, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts at once.
• You will lead a team of approximately 45 staff across hospitality operations, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, gardens, and front office, supported by department managers.
• This is a small, owner-managed operation where trust, transparency, and follow-through matter. The General Manager is expected to be fully across what is happening on the property at all times and to resolve issues without unnecessary escalation.
• It will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, autonomy, and being closely involved in every aspect of a hotel’s operation.
• Individuals seeking to relocate, with family are welcome to apply.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a General Manager, Hotel Manager, or Senior Operations Manager role within a high-end hotel, lodge, or boutique hospitality environment
• A strong, grounded leadership style with the confidence to make decisions and follow through
• Broad operational knowledge across food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and front office
• Solid financial understanding, including budgets, stock control, and management accounts
• Highly organised, reliable, and detail-aware, with a strong sense of ownership
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, rural environment and living on site
• Clear, direct communicator who values honesty and accountability
• Looking for a long-term role, not a short-term stepping stone
• A confident self-starter who doesn’t wait to be asked — you notice issues early, take action, and communicate progress clearly.
• Comfortable working with a hands-on owner, providing short, direct updates and solutions, and building trust through transparency and consistency.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Overall operational performance of the hotel, including accommodation, food and beverage, maintenance, and grounds
• Leading and supporting department managers, ensuring clear accountability and consistent standards
• Managing staff rosters, timekeeping, and labour control
• Oversight of financial processes including invoicing, stock reports, monthly management accounts, and cost control
• Handling guest feedback and complaints professionally and decisively
• Ensuring maintenance issues are addressed promptly and proactively
• Being a visible host on the property, including evenings when required
• Working closely with ownership, providing clear, factual updates and practical solutions
• Supporting basic marketing activity and promotional initiatives where needed
• This is an owner-managed environment. Success in the role depends on strong partnership with the owner: you’ll anticipate what’s likely to need attention, address issues before they escalate, and keep communication practical and outcomes-focused (what’s done, what isn’t, and what’s next).