Country Manager - Botswana

Our Client is a leading force in the luxury hospitality sector with a number of properties in remote locations in Botswana

This position is responsible for overseeing country operations in a manner that ensures delivery of exceptional guest satisfaction while upholding standards and managing cost to achieve delivery of required profit. This role has oversight of all in-country operations and includes aspects such as asset protection and enhancing employee satisfaction which ultimately contribute to the best guest experience.

Our company values of Passion, Safety, Quality and Care are key to this role that provides leadership, training, direction and support to all colleagues and teams in-country, fostering a positive work environment and driving operational excellence / to ensure their commitment to delivering a high-quality product

Duties & Responsibilities:

Delivery of business strategy and results

• Monitor political, economic, social, and competitor factors in-country, flagging trends and potential impacts with senior leadership and the Board
• Contribute to the development of the company strategy
• In-country planning and execution that supports the overall business strategy and goals

• Maintain market position as a leader in providing authentic African experiences
• Oversight of in-country teams to ensure that camps operate according to requires standards
• Oversight of in-country teams to ensure that the product, service, and guest experience is delivered in line with the group standards at all times
• Oversight of their Foundation operations in-country, ensuring we deliver on our promises to the communities in which we operate

• Annual Capex planning and submission for Board approval
• Annual cost projections and financial planning, prepared and submitted for Board approval
• Establish internal processes that ensure employees work as a cohesive unit to deliver at the required standard
• Ensure that day-to-day operations support the company’s achievement of its financial objectives
• Oversight of in-country procurement processes, controls and payments
• Ensure 100% adherence to company standards, ensuring excellence and quality at all times
• Ensure asset management and procedures are carried out according to company standards
• Ensure each property delivers against key metrics / targets
• Oversight of project timelines to ensure projects and tasks are effectively accomplished across the full operation
• Ensure camp operations and financial/cost of sales reporting is delivered accurately and on time
• Report on the management of budgets, assets and resources, managing possible deficiencies and risks as they arise
• Ongoing analysis of data and performance metrics to support informed decision-making
• Ensure business compliance with relevant laws and regulations

• Be a strong team leader cultivating a culture where people bring their best
• Build successful teams, ensuring they have the required skills and capabilities to deliver
• Provide oversight to functional leaders and managers to ensure they effectively manage the company's day-to-day operations
• Provide teams with clear goals and expectations that are aligned to company objectives, providing the support and direction needed to achieve these goals
• Ensure functional leaders/managers enforce policies, procedures and standards within their specific areas
• Provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas
• Partner with the HR Manager to handle HR and labour issues in-country
• Ensure staff welfare is well taken care of as it is key to the guest experience
• Ensure that local labour laws are upheld

• Be an ambassador for the organisation, actively exhibiting the values of Passion, Safety, Quality and Care
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, local partners and communities, attending relevant meetings and forums as required
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal cross-functional work partners and teams

• A proven track record in a General Management role
• Commercially astute with a proven ability to develop and implement financial plans
• Excellent collaboration, and delegation skills
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and lead employees, and hold them accountable
• Effective leadership and conflict resolution
• Strong working knowledge of operational procedures
• Strategic planning abilities
• Strong decision-making ability
• Ability to speak the local language not required but advantageous
• Knowledge of the hospitality sector will be an advantage, although not essential.
• Only those with Botswanan citizenship or have the ability to work legally in Botswana will be considered.