Hotel Manager at a Reputable Company

About US:

• An exclusive beachfront boutique hotel in Diani Beach, offering an unparalleled escape for families and groups. With nine uniquely designed, three-bedroom villas, each accommodating up to six guests, Al Mahali provides a private and luxurious experience with a total capacity of 54 guests. We embrace the rich cultural heritage of the Kenyan coast, showcasing a blend of Swahili and Arabic architecture and design, with thoughtful accents of traditional craftsmanship. Our commitment to ecological sustainability and elegant aesthetics creates a harmonious and memorable guest experience.

Who we are looking for:

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Host to manage the operations at the hotel. You will be responsible for ensuring the seamless delivery of exceptional guest experiences, efficient inventory management, supporting staff training, and fostering a positive and efficient work environment. Your leadership will be crucial in maintaining the reputation as a premier boutique destination on Diani/Galu Beach, catering to families and groups seeking an authentic and luxurious coastal retreat.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience & Personalized Service: 
• Ensure personalized and attentive service for families and groups, anticipating and exceeding their needs.
• Welcoming guests upon arrival, and provide a comprehensive tour of the property, including villa amenities, beach access, beach beds and services needed by guests (based on check in and check out procedures provided)
• Ensure door keys are ‘enabled’ before guests arrive
• Maintain high standards of villa presentation and cleanliness.
• Respond promptly to guest inquiries and requests, offering concierge-level assistance for a seamless and memorable stay. Proactively address guest feedback and resolve any issues promptly.
• Cultivate a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Offer information on how guests can access excursions, water sports, and local cultural experiences.
• Host provides direct in villa support during certain periods, including evenings to turn down beds, and during peak times or emergencies.

Operations Management: 

• Manage vendor relationships for villa supplies and services. 
• Manage and troubleshoot smart equipment, including villa automation systems, and other IT infrastructure. 
• Ensure all batteries for door locks are charged every two weeks
• Ensure laundry is carried out in a timely and quality manner, keeping record of laundry received from villas, to cleaning, and back from cleaning to villa
• Coordinate with IT support or vendors for complex technical issues and preventative maintenance of systems. 
• Ensure groundskeeper and pool persons are keeping pool maintained, pumps and pump rooms clean and compound orderly and clean
• Ensure that protocols, including dress code, kitchen cleanliness, food handling, front beach area cleanliness, and waste management.
• Anticipate potential problems, implement and carry-out preventative measures.
• Coordinate maintenance with technicians and the appropriate staff on a regular basis. 
• Be able to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct regular inspections of rooms, public areas, and outsourced services to uphold luxury standards
• Oversee the daily operations of all nine villas and common area,  ensuring efficient housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services. 
• Ensure cleanliness and upkeep of dining and common areas, keeping them well-stocked and organized.
• Replenish consumables, and operational supplies in villas. 
• Ensure ‘chef rules’ are followed by chefs
• Ensure that all protocols, including dress code, kitchen cleanliness, food handling, front beach area cleanliness, and waste management.
• Oversee compound to ensure cleanliness, good garden and beach front management, management of waste and compost
• Maintain high housekeeping standards, including villa upkeep and linen presentation (based on house cleaning check list provided)
• Develop and oversee staff schedules to ensure round-the-clock guest service and operational efficiency
• Ensure smooth handovers between shifts and step in during peak times or emergencies.

Inventory Management: 

• Monitor inventory of equipment and items in the hotel
• Monitor inventory for amenities, consumables, and operational supplies. 
• Implement and maintain an effective inventory control system for all supplies, equipment, including amenities, and cleaning products. 
• Ensuring laundry inventory is up to date as laundry moves from villa to cleaning and back to villa
• Ensure accurate tracking of inventory levels and place orders as needed to prevent shortages.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies. 
• Control costs by minimizing waste and optimizing stock levels.
• Collaborate with the owner or management team to develop strategies for continuous improvement.

On-Call Availability:

• Be available for specified overnight shifts to ensure guest security and immediate response to any concerns.
• Work rotating shifts that will require sleeping on the property, and being on call overnight.
• Be able to respond to emergencies and guest requests at any time when on call.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Hotel Manager or in a similar leadership role within a boutique hotel.
• Strong understanding of hotel/villa operations and guest service.
• Experience in inventory management.
• Experience in managing group and family bookings is highly preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in hotel management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in English and Swahili.
• A Bachelors degree in hospitality or business management is preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about hospitality and creating memorable experiences for families and groups.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented.
• A genuine appreciation for the Swahili and Arabic culture and architecture.
• A positive and professional attitude.