We are seeking an exceptional Hotel Manager to lead the iconic Oyster Box Hotel, responsible for all aspects of hotel operations, staff management, guest experience, and brand representation. This leader will drive standards, performance, and culture throughout the hotel.

Location: The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: Competitive + Incredible benefits

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is proud to be recognised as an industry leader in hospitality and people development. We were named Best Employer at the 2025 Cateys and awarded the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2024. We are especially proud of receiving the Princess Royal Training Award three times (2017, 2020 and 2023) for our commitment to developing our people. Our dedication to excellence has also earned us Top Employer UK certifications in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the Sustainable Business Award (2023) at The Cateys.

The Oyster Box Hotel is a boutique luxury property located on the Umhlanga beachfront, offering 86 individually designed rooms, suites, and villas with either ocean views or tranquil garden settings. Guests can enjoy a selection of exceptional dining experiences, including signature seafood dishes and the famous Curry Buffet, as well as several stylish bars. The hotel features an award‑winning spa set amid tropical gardens, a private cinema, and elegant lounges. Many areas of the hotel, including the ocean‑facing terraces, offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the historic Umhlanga lighthouse.

Key Responsibilities of the Hotel Manager:

Act as a Red Carnation Hotel Ambassador, consistently living the brand values, service standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Lead, manage and develop high‑performing hotel teams through strong floor presence, coaching, appraisals and performance management.
Oversee day‑to‑day hotel operations, ensuring seamless service delivery across all departments in line with RCH and LQA standards.
Drive financial performance through effective budgeting, cost control, labour management and ownership of the hotel P&L.
Mentor and support the senior management team to deliver operational excellence, revenue growth and staff engagement.
Ensure full compliance with health, safety, security and legal requirements, proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks.
Represent the hotel internally and externally, supporting sales activity, supplier relationships, PR initiatives and Head Office priorities.

What are we looking for?

Proven experience in luxury hospitality, with senior leadership exposure in a five‑star hotel environment.
Strong operational background across Rooms Division and Food & Beverage.
A confident, hands‑on leader with a passion for service excellence and guest experience.
Commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, revenue and overall hotel performance.
Excellent communication skills, high personal presentation, and flexibility to work varied hours, weekends and travel as required.

What's in it for you?

Holiday allowance starting at 21 days and increasing with length of service up to 28 days + 12 public holidays.
Professional, award winning learning and development opportunities.
25% off on food and 30% off on beverages in selected Red Carnation Hotels F&B outlets.
Discounted accommodation rates at Red Carnation Hotels worldwide in 4 star properties.
Two paid volunteering days each year, because we care about our community.
Vibrant hotel recognition events every month and hotel-based incentives (Employee of the Month / Manager of the Quarter).
Hotel Employee Appreciation Party, where we get to celebrate our incredible teams.
Free meals on duty.
Complimentary uniform and dry-cleaning services.

The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional / relevant information as criteria for short-listing. The Oyster Box Hotel and Spa is committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the demographics of South Africa. In line with our Employment Equity objectives, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups as defined by the South African Employment Equity Act. We encourage applications from all individuals who meet the job requirements and share our dedication to exceptional hospitality.