GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR – EAST AFRICA

Kenya-Based | Executive Leadership Appointment

Employment Type

Full-Time | Executive Management | Regional Oversight Role

Location

Based in Kenya with extensive travel across safari lodge operations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda

THE OPPORTUNITY

A rare and high-impact executive opportunity exists for an accomplished Group Operations Director – East Africa to take leadership responsibility for a prestigious portfolio of luxury safari lodges operating across multiple East African countries.

This role is designed for a commercially astute, operationally rigorous hospitality leader with deep experience in multi-property, cross-border operations, ideally within safari lodges, remote luxury environments, or destination hospitality.

The successful candidate will act as the regional operational custodian, ensuring consistent excellence in guest experience, financial performance, people leadership, and sustainability across geographically dispersed assets.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to Group Executive leadership and the Board, the Group Operations Director will assume full accountability for operational performance and profitability across the East African portfolio.

The position requires a hands-on yet strategic leader who can balance on-the-ground operational engagement with board-level strategic planning, while leading diverse teams across different regulatory, cultural, and logistical environments.

This is both a leadership and transformation role, focused on elevating standards, strengthening systems, optimising performance, and future-proofing the hospitality portfolio.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Executive & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the regional operations strategy aligned with long-term group objectives
  • Translate corporate vision into clear operational frameworks and performance plans
  • Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term capital planning across all properties
  • Identify opportunities for growth, operational optimisation, and asset enhancement
  • Provide structured, data-driven reporting to executive leadership and the Board

Multi-Country Operational Oversight

• Provide direct leadership and oversight to General Managers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
  • Ensure consistent operating standards, service delivery, and brand alignment across all lodges
  • Conduct regular site visits, operational audits, and performance reviews
  • Drive operational efficiency while safeguarding guest experience and authenticity
  • Oversee compliance with safety, labour, environmental, and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Full P&L accountability for the regional hospitality portfolio
  • Drive revenue optimisation through pricing strategy, yield management, and product development
  • Monitor and control costs without compromising service quality or sustainability standards
  • Implement and track KPIs including occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, margins, and cash flow
  • Ensure strong financial governance, reporting accuracy, and cost discipline

Sales, Marketing & Market Positioning

• Work closely with Group Sales & Marketing leadership to strengthen international market presence
  • Support trade partnerships with tour operators, DMCs, and key distribution partners
  • Ensure operational delivery aligns with brand promise and market positioning
  • Monitor tourism trends, competitor activity, and guest expectations to inform strategy

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

• Champion a guest-centric culture across all operations
  • Set and enforce service standards aligned with luxury safari hospitality expectations
  • Oversee guest feedback platforms, review management, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Drive innovation in experiential offerings, food & beverage, and wellness concepts

People Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop General Managers and senior operational leaders
  • Drive succession planning, leadership development, and performance management frameworks
  • Build a culture of accountability, empowerment, and cross-border collaboration
  • Ensure best-practice HR, employee engagement, and retention strategies are implemented

Sustainability, Conservation & Community Impact

• Ensure all operations align with ESG and responsible tourism principles
  • Support conservation initiatives and meaningful community engagement programs
  • Foster strong relationships with government bodies, conservation authorities, and local stakeholders
  • Embed sustainability metrics into operational and financial performance reporting

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• 10–15+ years’ senior leadership experience in luxury hospitality or tourism operations
  • Proven experience managing multi-property portfolios across multiple countries
  • Strong exposure to East Africa or comparable emerging markets
  • Demonstrated success in P&L management, strategic planning, and operational leadership
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Business Administration, or related discipline
  • MBA or postgraduate qualification advantageous
  • Strong leadership presence, high emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity
  • Comfortable operating in remote locations and dynamic environments

SALARY & REMUNERATION STRUCTURE

A highly competitive executive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with experience and seniority, and is structured to attract top-tier regional or international talent.

Indicative structure includes:

• Tax-free net monthly salary (USD-based), negotiable depending on experience
  • Local living allowance (taxable) sufficient for executive-level living in Kenya
  • Annual performance-based incentive / bonus linked to financial and operational KPIs
  • Annual gratuity equivalent to one month’s net salary per completed year of service
  • Company-paid statutory contributions in line with local legislation
  • Local Medical including hospital cover
  • Executive accommodation support or housing allowance (single or family status)
  • Company vehicle
  • Company-provided laptop, mobile phone, and communication allowance
  • Work permit, visas, and relocation support fully covered
  • 30 days paid annual leave, plus one annual return air ticket to country of origin

Contract tenure: Renewable executive contract with long-term career progression potential.

WHY CONSIDER THIS ROLE

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a regionally significant luxury safari portfolio, working at executive level with meaningful strategic influence.

The role offers:
• Significant leadership autonomy
• Exposure to Board-level decision-making
• The chance to make a lasting impact on hospitality, conservation, and communities
• A purpose-driven environment within one of Africa’s most compelling tourism regions