Job Summary
FRONT OFFICE MANAGER | CAPE TOWN Established Boutique Hostel | Exciting New Hostel Opening March 2027 An exciting opportunity for an experienced, energetic and hands-on Front Office Manager to join an established boutique hostel in Cape Town, while playing an integral role in the pre-opening and launch of a brand-new hostel in March 2027. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced, social environment and understands that Front Office is at the heart of the guest experience. THE OPPORTUNITY You will take ownership of the day-to-day Front Office operation, leading the reception and Duty Management team while ensuring exceptional guest service, smooth reservations and strong operational standards. You will also work closely with management on the new property, helping to establish systems; SOPs, team structures and service standards from the ground up. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead and manage the Front Office team • Rostering, training, coaching and performance management • Oversee check-ins, check-outs, guest queries and complaints • Manage reservations, room & bed allocations and group bookings • Monitor OTAs, online bookings and guest communication • Maintain accurate PMS and Front Office administration • Work closely with Housekeeping, Maintenance, Security and Operations • Monitor guest feedback and drive service improvements • Develop SOPs and operational systems for the new hostel • Assist with recruitment and training of the new Front Office team • Assist with PMS, OTA and operational system setup • Support pre-opening preparation and operational readiness WE'RE LOOKING FOR A confident hospitality leader with: • Previous Front Office supervisory or management experience • Hotel, hostel, backpacker or accommodation experience • Strong people-management and training skills • Reservations and OTA experience • Experience with a hospitality PMS — Cloudbeds advantageous • Excellent organisational and administrative skills • Strong communication and problem-solving abilities • A hands-on, proactive approach • The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays when required AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD SOMETHING NEW This is more than a traditional Front Office Manager position. You'll have the opportunity to manage an established operation while helping shape a brand-new hostel from the ground up — from systems and SOPs to team culture, service standards and the guest experience. If you're a hands-on hospitality leader who loves people, takes ownership and gets excited about building teams and exceptional guest experiences ; we'd love to hear from you.