Job Summary
This is not just a shift role. It is the leadership heartbeat of the hotel during your hours on duty. At The President Hotel, exceptional guest service and operational precision begin at the front desk. In a 349-room branded hotel environment, the Reception Shift Leader carries direct responsibility for service consistency, operational accuracy, financial controls, and real-time guest satisfaction on every shift. With its iconic oceanfront setting, vibrant social spaces, and reputation as one of Cape Town’s most loved hotels, The President Hotel is on an exciting journey toward luxury. As we continue elevating standards, strong front office leadership is essential to maintaining structure, accountability, and a seamless guest journey from arrival to departure. At The President Hotel, Front Office is more than check-ins and check-outs. It is operational command, brand representation, and service recovery — all happening live, at pace, and under pressure. This role sits at the centre of that responsibility. You will feel right at home in this role if you bring proven hands-on OPERA PMS experience, strong front office exposure within a 4 or 5-star branded hotel, and the confidence to lead a team on shift in a high-volume environment. OPERA PMS and branded hotel experience are essential for this role. Minimum Requirements Matric Certificate (Grade 12) Hospitality qualification or diploma (advantageous) Minimum 3 to 4 years’ experience in a hotel front office Proven hands-on experience using OPERA PMS Experience working within a 4 or 5-star branded hotel environment Supervisory or shift-leading experience within Front Office (essential) Strong computer literacy, including OPERA PMS and Microsoft Office Ability to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays Professional grooming and presentation standards CV must be fully updated prior to submission Key Responsibilities Front Office Operations & Shift Leadership Lead and supervise the Front Office team during assigned shifts. Ensure smooth and accurate check-in and check-out processes using OPERA PMS. Maintain service standards, operational accuracy, and brand compliance. Act as the first escalation point for guest queries and service recovery. Guest Service & Experience Deliver professional, warm, and consistent guest engagement. Manage VIP arrivals, special requests, and guest preferences. Handle guest feedback and complaints promptly and professionally while maintaining a visible and confident leadership presence at the front desk. Daily Operations & Controls Manage shift handovers, task allocation, and daily briefings. Review arrivals, departures, room status, credit limits, and trace reports. Ensure billing accuracy, cashier controls, and end-of-shift procedures are executed correctly. Liaise closely with Housekeeping and other departments on room readiness. Team Support & Development Support training and coaching of reception team members. Monitor performance and address service or operational gaps. Foster a professional, accountable, and team-focused work environment. Compliance & Administration Ensure adherence to hotel SOPs, financial controls, and data accuracy. Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and handover notes. Support audits, reports, and operational checks as required. Key Skills & Attributes Hotel-trained front office leader with strong operational awareness Confident; professional communication style High attention to detail and administrative accuracy Calm; organised, and solutions-driven under pressure Strong leadership and team coordination skills Guest-focused with a structured, service-driven approach Why Work With Us Be part of a hotel committed to sincere, memorable hospitality Work within a professional, high-volume Front Office operation Opportunity to grow within a luxury-focused hotel environment Exposure to a diverse international guest profile Competitive salary and employee benefits Recruitment is aligned with the company’s Employment Equity Plan. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Step into a leadership role where your decisions shape the guest journey and your presence defines the standard of every shift.