General Manager

About Us

Long Street Backpackers is one of Cape Town's most iconic and characterful properties — a multi-faceted operation housed in a single building in the beating heart of the city. Our building is home to a thriving backpackers hostel, Sweeties Beerhall, the Longstreet Market, and a basement events and social space. We are a property with real personality, a loyal following, and ambitious plans — and we need an exceptional General Manager to lead it.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a full-scope general management role with real authority and real accountability. As GM, you will own the day-to-day operational performance of all four business units — managing a multi-disciplinary team, driving revenue and commercial growth, maintaining financial controls, overseeing bookings and digital presence, and serving as the primary custodian of the Long Street Backpackers brand and guest experience. You will report directly to the owner and work closely with HR.

This is not a role for someone looking for a quiet front-desk management position. It suits an experienced hospitality operator who thrives in a high-energy environment, leads from the front, and takes genuine ownership of outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

People & HR

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, and manage staff across all departments
• Conduct departmental staff meetings and handle disciplinary matters in line with labour legislation
• Manage volunteers, approve leave, and oversee payroll administration

Operations & Facilities

• Oversee daily operations across the hostel, bar, market, and basement
• Manage building maintenance, health and safety compliance, and security protocols
• Conduct regular departmental quality and efficiency checks

Financial & Commercial

• Manage pricing, stock control, inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships across all units
• Control wastage and drive commercial efficiency at departmental level
• Issue invoices to African Market tenants and maintain payment records

Bookings, Digital & Guest Experience

• Oversee the hostel PMS, OTA channel management, and online reputation
• Handle escalated guest complaints and protect the company brand
• Drive growth initiatives and identify new revenue opportunities across the property

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Essential:

• Proven general management experience in a hospitality, hostel, or multi-unit environment
• Strong people management skills — able to lead, discipline, develop, and inspire a diverse team
• Financial acumen — pricing, cost control, stock management, and basic reporting
• Experience with hostel or hotel PMS and OTA platform management
• Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation and disciplinary procedures
• Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and digital
• Self-directed, solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy

Advantageous:

• Prior experience managing a backpackers, boutique hotel, or mixed-use hospitality venue
• Familiarity with Cloudbeds PMS or similar
• Experience managing food and beverage operations alongside accommodation

ROLE DETAILS

Location Long Street Backpackers, Cape Town

Employment Type Full-Time

Scope Hostel, Sweeties Beerhall, Longstreet Market, Basement

Reports To Owner / Proprietor

Availability Flexibility required — the nature of this role does not follow a fixed 9-to-5

HOW TO APPLY

If you are an experienced hospitality leader who is ready to take full ownership of a dynamic, multi-unit Cape Town property — and you have the track record to back it up — we want to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant management experience to:

[email protected]

Long Street Backpackers, Cape Town

Please note: Only candidates with valid South African work authorisation will be considered. A covering letter is required — applications submitted without one will not be reviewed.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cape Town, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• Are you authorised to work in South Africa

Education:

• High School (matric) (Preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person