Hotel General Manager, Real Estate & Administration (Abuja) at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

About Job

• The Hotel General Manager (GM) will oversee the opening and management of our brand-new hotel property. He will play a key role in the pre-opening phase, leading the efforts to launch the property, and then continue to oversee day-to-day operations once the hotel is open and operational.
• The GM will ensure the property meets operational excellence, delivers exceptional guest experiences, and achieves financial and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening Phase:

• Lead and manage the pre-opening process, including recruitment, hiring, training, and on-boarding of key staff.
• Coordinate with corporate teams to ensure timely delivery of operational plans, marketing campaigns, and IT infrastructure
• Collaborate with contractors, and vendors to ensure the hotel’s physical space aligns with brand standards.
• Develop and implement pre-opening budgets, forecast and track costs, and ensure all preparations are made to open the hotel on time.
• Train the staff on group policies and procedures, including those for guest services, operations, housekeeping, food and beverage, and sales & marketing. Eventually adapt the policies to local regulation.
• Develop and implement a sales strategy to build awareness and attract guests to the new hotel, creating partnerships and local marketing efforts.
• Ensure all licensing, legal, and safety requirements are met for opening.

Operational Phase (Post-Opening):

• Oversee daily hotel operations, ensuring a smooth and high-quality guest experience in all areas, including guest services, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, and administration.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic planning, pricing strategies, and optimizing occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) in line with the Group guidelines.
• Develop and manage marketing and sales initiatives to promote the hotel, maximize revenue, and improve market visibility.
• Represent the hotel at local events and business meetings, establishing a strong network and reputation within the community.
• Monitor financial performance, including operating expenses, profit and loss statements, and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
• Review guest feedback and implement solutions to resolve any issues, maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction and loyalty.
• Lead regular performance meetings with department heads, setting goals and assessing performance against KPIs.
• Ensure the hotel maintains adherence to brand standards and implements continuous improvements.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including ownership, corporate offices, and local businesses.
• Implement and enforce health and safety standards and protocols for staff and guests.
• Foster a positive and collaborative culture among staff, with a focus on guest satisfaction, team engagement, and performance excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Hotel General Manager, with a strong background in both pre-opening and operational management.
• In-depth knowledge of hotel management software and property management systems (PMS).
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational processes, and ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Strong business development and marketing capabilities to drive sales, revenue, and brand awareness.
• Experience with upscale, or full-service hotel brands is mandatory. Prior experience in conference centers managements is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in hotel management, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in hotel pre-opening and/or multi-property management is a plus.
• Fluency in English