Operations Executive – Gaming, Hospitality & Entertainment - JHB at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• Our client is seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Operations Executive – Gaming, Hospitality & Entertainment to lead the strategic and operational direction of a large-scale, integrated complex.
• This executive role carries full accountability for Gaming, Hotel Operations, Conferencing, and Entertainment, ensuring a seamless, world-class guest experience while driving sustainable revenue growth and profitability.
• Gaming operations sit at the core of the business, and this role requires a strong leader who can leverage performance insights, customer strategy, and operational excellence to maximise returns and enhance competitive positioning.
• You will play a pivotal role in shaping business strategy, leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering exceptional experiences across all customer touchpoints.

DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership & Commercial Performance

• Define and execute the overall operational strategy aligned to Group objectives and long-term growth
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, and operational performance across Gaming, Hospitality, and Entertainment
• Translate market trends, customer insights, and business intelligence into actionable strategies
• Identify and unlock new revenue streams, partnerships, and commercial opportunities

Gaming & VIP Performance

• Optimise gaming floor performance through product mix, customer segmentation, and loyalty strategies
• Oversee VIP and premium player strategy, ensuring strong acquisition, retention, and revenue contribution
• Ensure full compliance with gaming regulations, licence conditions, and internal controls
• Leverage performance data to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency

Operational Excellence

• Oversee end-to-end operations across casino, hotel, conferencing, and entertainment functions
• Implement performance-driven operating models to enhance service quality and efficiency
• Ensure delivery of a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all divisions
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to strengthen market competitiveness

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop diverse, multi-functional leadership teams, fostering a high-performance culture
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, unions, customers, and executive stakeholders
• Champion transformation and B-BBEE initiatives, including governance and reporting structures
• Promote collaboration and alignment across all business units

Financial Management

• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and financial planning across multiple divisions
• Drive cost optimisation and operational efficiencies while maintaining service excellence
• Ensure sound financial governance and accountability

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a similar executive leadership role within a complex, multi-business environment
• Proven track record of driving commercial performance and operational excellence at scale
• Deep understanding of gaming operations, revenue optimisation, and regulatory environments
• Strong experience in strategic leadership, financial management, and operational transformation
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement capability
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large-scale budgets and P&L responsibility

Qualifications

• Matric
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Gaming Management, or a related field
• Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous

Operational Requirements

• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel when required
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Comfortable working in a smoking environment
• Will be required to obtain a Gaming Licence