General Manager

The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is looking to recruit a General Manager. The role, which reports to the Meropa Board, will be responsible to lead the planning, transformation and implementation of the business unit strategy, vision, and objectives, providing effective, and integrated leadership and management of teams and functions across business operations. The role will be responsible for the sustainable profitability of the business (including gaming and non-gaming functions), operational governance, employee engagement, and creating a product that ensures great experiences for all customers, in line with gaming regulations; legislative requirements and Meropa's operating standards.

This will be achieved through leading the management teams; leveraging relationships with key suppliers and partners, key external stakeholders and guests to ensure the acquisition and retention of business; optimising the use of people, processes and technology to achieve operational objectives; and focusing on high levels of operational compliance. The role will also focus on building and enabling solid and engaged operational and management talent to support the sustainability of business operations and enable the business vision; and will give additional focus to the transformation and development of local communities and businesses as defined in Meropa's Transformation Policy.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Lead and provide an integrated vision for the property to enable revenue growth and profit optimisation across the business
• Provide leadership in protecting the current and future sustainability of the business operations and the reputation of the Meropa Sun brand
• Monitor, manage and achieve profitability for the Meropa
• Oversee the management of the financial position of the business including management of the budget, cost management, capex, forecasting, pricing management, financial reporting on revenue analysis and revenue strategies for all business areas
• Deliver an effective and integrated operational system (processes, people, standards, management frameworks, practices, and technology) to support the strategy and market expectations.
• Ongoing operational management including the planning and delivery of required projects, initiatives and planning to achieve business objectives
• Understand customer preferences using business intelligence tools and analytics; trends and leading practice within the industry and apply these principles to the business operating strategy, product offerings and experiences across business areas
• Critically evaluate product offerings across the various functional areas and manage the improvement and innovation of products and offerings in line with leading practice
• Provide direction on customer experiences and standards across the business operations to ensure the product offering remains cutting edge, innovative and in line with leading practice and trends
• Collaborate with the team to drive the execution of the Customer experience strategy and tools within the operation to build a customer value proposition that is relevant, innovative and fresh
• Collaborate with marketing on initiatives including annual calendars, promotions and activations
• Oversee the identification of internal / external risks to the business, and monitor and manage any necessary remedial actions
• Monitor the BBBEE scorecard and drive interventions to achieve targets
• Drive a strong governance culture, ensuring compliance aligned to regulatory standards and procedures, as well as regulations around PoPI, and the Consumer Protection Act
• Identify key customers and build relationships to grow customer visitation, acquisition, and retention targets
• Create synergy and alignment of the retail strategy across operations, building and developing partnerships with service providers to the mutual benefit of both parties
• Negotiate and secure contracts with retailers and business partners and manage performance against contracted deliverables
• Report and provide feedback to the Board on business and consumer trends; recommendations of changes and improvements in the retail environment; service standards, financial implications, and progress on return on investment
• Develop, coach and retain high-performing hotel and operational management talent
• Provide inspirational leadership to enhance employee engagement and motivate teams by growing and consolidating a service culture
• Develop and implement a Transformation plan, aligned to Meropa's Transformation Policy and the conditions of the casino license focusing on the employment and development of talent from the surrounding communities and support the development and sustainability of local businesses and service providers.
• Implement and oversee the current supplier and partner governance frameworks and policies, ensuring all procurement, tender, and contractual processes are transparent, competitive, and free from conflicts of interest.

Education, experience and competencies required:

• B-Degree in Business Management or equivalent qualification
• 10-15 years' experience including 5 years hotel management / casino operations / HR/commercial management experience in a 4- or 5-star Hotel or casino property
• Experience in leading and inspiring teams
• Knowledge of food & beverage services and standards, rooms management and / or hotel management
• Knowledge of gaming / casino operations, regulations, and standards
• Knowledge and experience of the retail environment, promotions, and retail management (including contract management)
• Thorough understanding of legislation (SHE / LRA/ risk management)
• Demonstrated analytical, commercial, and effective decision-making ability to prioritize and communicate on key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve business goals
• Demonstrated an understanding and engagement with local communities with a clear focus on Transformation
• Proven experience in reinforcing ethical frameworks, strengthening internal controls, and leading a cultural turnaround within a complex hospitality or gaming environment is essential.
• A demonstrable track record of building trust with board and regulatory authorities

Skills and Knowledge

• Strategic business insights and analytical skills
• People leadership skills
• Stakeholder engagement
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Results and solutions orientation
• Developing relationships
• Financial and business acumen
• Integrating and Networking skills
• Technological & Digital Acumen
• Coaching
• SLA and contract management
• Strong work ethics
• Decision-making

• Self-driven initiator

• Please note that when applying for any position, reference checks will be completed and personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 will be processed. In applying for this position, applicants will be deemed to have consented to such processing as defined in the included Privacy Statement.

• Please also note that if you have not been contacted within 1 month after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

Equity

Please Note: Preference will be given to suitably qualified employees from the designated groups in line with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998 (and any amendments thereto), the relevant internal recruitment policy as well as unit's employment equity plans and Gaming Board License conditions. As a result of the company's operational requirements, you may be expected to work in any area designated as a "smoking area". Right of first refusal will be given to candidates from the licensed area. People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.