Operations Director (Gauteng, Centurion)

ANEW Hotels & Resorts is looking for an Operations Director to lead the operational performance of ANEW's full hotel portfolio. The Operations Director is accountable for portfolio-wide standards, profitability, people development, and long-term strategic execution. This role sits on the Senior Leadership Team and contributes directly to board-level decisions.

The successful candidate will be based in Gauteng, Centurion.

Own and execute ANEW's operational strategy across all properties. Translate the board's vision into measurable, time-bound plans.

• Set the operational direction for the portfolio - from property standards to technology adoption
• Represent Operations at board level; present quarterly performance reviews to the MD and Exco
• Identify, evaluate, and lead new business growth opportunities, including new property integrations
• Own the group risk register; escalated critical risks with recommended mitigation to the board
• Champion brand integrity across all properties - own the standards audit programme
• Lead the group sustainability strategy and embed environmental targets into operations
• Drive innovation - from operational systems to guest experience enhancements

Accountable for consistent, profitable hotel operations across the full ANEW portfolio.

• Own group-wide operational KPIs: RevPAR, NPS, compliance scores, cost-per-occupied-room
• Direct all General Managers on performance expectations, operational cadence, and escalation protocols
• Oversee group-wide facilities management - including capex planning and asset lifecycle reviews
• Run a structured audit programme; enforce corrective action within agreed timelines
• Manage the group operational budget; own cost efficiency without compromising guest standards
• Ensure full regulatory and legal compliance across all properties (health, safety, labour, liquor)
• Identify inefficiencies and lead improvement projects with clear ROI accountability

Build a high-performance operations culture rooted in ANEW's HITEC values.

• Line manage all General Managers; conduct structured performance reviews twice yearly
• Own succession planning for all HOD and GM roles across the portfolio
• Partner with the Talent & Commercial Director on workforce planning, grading, and L&D investment
• Hold GMs accountable for team development, culture scores, and retention targets
• Champion ANEW's recognition and rewards culture across the portfolio
• Model and reinforce values-led leadership - especially during change or crisis

• Minimum 12-15 years in hospitality operations, with at least 5 years in a senior multi-property leadership role
• Proven ability to manage P&L across multiple sites simultaneously
• Strong commercial acumen - able to interpret financial data and drive revenue decisions
• Demonstrable track record in change management and organisational transformation
• Skilled negotiator - experience with supplier contracts, SLAs, and strategic partnerships
• Crisis and risk management experience at group level
• Excellent communicator - boardroom-ready, credible with GMs and external stakeholders alike
• Project management capability, including cross-functional projects

• Degree or National Diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or equivalent (NQF Level 7 preferred)
• Proven multi-property general management or group operations experience
• Project Management qualification (advantageous - e.g. PMP, PRINCE2)
• Financial management or commercial qualification (advantageous)
• Sound knowledge of SA labour law, OHSA, and hospitality licensing requirements
• Familiarity with Opera Cloud PMS, Infraspeak, or equivalent property management systems
• NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) - advantageous
• SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Course) - advantageous
• Facilities Management certificate - SAFMA or IFMA accredited - advantageous