Guesthouse Manager

Our client, an 18-room guesthouse with 2 cottages, is looking for a Manager to work flexi-hours and have hotel management experience. The guesthouse has a diner which is only offering breakfast and bar service on request at this stage, but is looking to develop their food and beverage offering at a later stage. The current staff complement includes a cook, a night security guard, a housekeeper and a groundsman. 

Your responsibilities will include managing the running of the daily operations of the guesthouse, managing inquiries and bookings. greeting clients as they arrive, coordinating their check-ins to assigned rooms and informing them about the hotel’s facilities. You will be expected to work a six-day work week flexi-hours based on occupancy. When the guesthouse is empty or quiet, the manager is entitled to time off, provided a hand-over has been done.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- Matric or higher certificate, preferably in hotel management
- Previous experience of 5 years at a guesthouse or similar
- Good communication in spoken and written English. Afrikaans, Xhosa or Zulu is a bonus
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Contactable references

KEY OUTPUTS:

- Management and quick response of online and telephonic inquiries and reservations, and checking guests in and out
- Update social media and bookings platforms when needed
- Acting as a link between guests and guesthouse directors, with regular updates
- Handling payments made by credit card, cash up and accounts recon
- Understanding safety and emergency procedures
- Implementing procedures to improve services offered with the aim of attracting more customers (such as networking with nearby conference centres/wedding venues)
- Room inspections, ensuring the rooms are properly cleaned and ready for new guests
- Property inspection, managing the groundsmen ensuring the gardens are tidy, bins are emptied and unsightly items are stored away, gardens are maintained and watered, plants are cared for, pool is clean and general maintenance is taken
- Staff management
- Ensuring breakfast is ready and available for guests who have booked
- Manage food and drink stocks and ordering
- Event management: we often host kiddies parties and for that we provide drinks and entertainment facilities (such as ice cream machine, jumping castle) should they be required by the guest
- Arrange platters from local caterers
- Manage suppliers and external contractors
- Explore ideas and solutions to grow the guesthouse popularity and improve on systems