Hotel Manager

This role forms part of the senior operations team at Pezula Nature Retreat, located in Knysna, Western Cape.

The Role

As Hotel Manager, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of Pezula Nature Retreat, leading through your Heads of Department and maintaining a visible presence across the property.

Our approach is Pure Hosting

– combining strong hotel operations with genuine guest connection. You’ll set the pace for your team, maintain consistently high standards and ensure the property performs across service, people and commercial measures.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who knows how to run a hotel, lead people and create the kind of stay guests want to return to.

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily hotel operations across all departments

Lead and hold Heads of Department accountable for service, productivity and team performance

Maintain a visible presence during key guest and operational periods

Drive guest satisfaction, personalisation and service improvement

Ensure high standards across rooms, F&B, public areas and all guest touchpoints

Oversee staffing, rostering and operational coverage within a seven-day environment

Manage guest feedback, complaints and online reputation proactively

Monitor budgets, labour costs, stock, purchasing and operational expenditure

Work with Finance on performance, reporting and cost control

Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety requirements and operational audits

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and team development

Provide senior operational and duty management cover when required

What We’re Looking For

Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management or a related field

Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Hotel Manager or in a comparable senior hotel leadership role within a 4- or 5-star property

Strong operational experience across rooms, F&B and guest services

Proven ability to lead and develop Heads of Department and operational teams

Strong commercial understanding of budgets, labour costs and hotel performance

Confident, visible and hands-on leadership style

Strong judgement, problem-solving ability and attention to detail

Sound understanding of hospitality compliance, health and safety and operational standards

Flexible and available to work within a seven-day hotel environment

What We Offer

Competitive remuneration aligned with experience

A senior leadership role within Village n Life

The opportunity to lead one of our flagship properties

Group operational support and career growth across the Village n Life portfolio

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.