Job Description
Career Opportunity
An upcoming 4-star hotel in Burundi is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead the hotel through pre-opening, successful launch and ongoing operations.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will establish the hotel’s operating culture, recruit and develop the management team, implement standard operating procedures and ensure international hospitality service standards.
This is an excellent leadership opportunity for an accomplished hospitality professional with strong experience in hotel operations, commercial management, guest experience, financial control and pre-opening projects.
For Job Seekers
👉 Professional CV Writing Service
Increase your chances of being shortlisted with a professionally written CV.
Book a Professional CV Service
👉 Daily Job Alerts via SMS
Receive the latest employment opportunities directly on your phone.
Subscribe to JobsTanzania SMS Alerts
For Employers and Recruitment Agencies
👉 Post Jobs for Free
Register and reach qualified candidates through JobsTanzania.
Register and Post Jobs Free
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Opening and Hotel Launch
Provide overall leadership during the hotel’s pre-opening phase.
Develop and implement the pre-opening action plan, timelines and operational checklists.
Establish hotel policies, procedures, service standards and standard operating procedures.
Recruit, train and develop the senior management team and operational workforce.
Coordinate with owners, architects, consultants, contractors and suppliers to ensure operational readiness.
Oversee procurement and departmental commissioning, including FF&E and OS&E readiness.
Conduct operational trials, mock operations and staff training before opening.
Ensure that the hotel is fully prepared for a successful soft opening and grand opening.
2. Hotel Operations
Lead all hotel departments, including:
Front Office
Housekeeping
Food and Beverage
Kitchen
Engineering and Maintenance
Security
Finance
Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
Ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the entire property.
Establish and maintain international 4-star service standards.
Conduct regular property inspections and ensure identified deficiencies are addressed immediately.
Monitor room standards, cleanliness, food and beverage quality, maintenance and guest service.
Develop and implement effective operational procedures and internal controls.
3. Financial and Commercial Management
Assume full responsibility for the hotel’s profit and loss, budgeting and financial performance.
Prepare annual budgets, business plans, financial forecasts and capital expenditure requirements.
Drive occupancy, Average Daily Rate, Revenue Per Available Room, Gross Operating Profit and overall profitability.
Develop pricing and revenue strategies in coordination with the Sales and Revenue teams.
Monitor departmental expenses, payroll, procurement and cost controls.
Identify opportunities to maximize revenue from rooms, restaurants, banquets, conferences, events and other hotel facilities.
4. Sales and Business Development
Develop an aggressive sales and marketing strategy for the property.
Build strong relationships with corporate clients, non-governmental organizations, embassies, diplomatic missions, government organizations, international agencies, tour operators and local businesses.
Develop corporate contracts and long-term accommodation agreements.
Drive the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions market, including conferences, weddings, events and group business.
Establish the hotel as a preferred destination for business travellers and international visitors.
Monitor competitor activities and market trends.
Adjust the hotel’s commercial strategy accordingly.
5. Guest Experience
Establish a strong guest-focused culture throughout the organization.
Personally engage with key guests, VIPs and corporate clients.
Monitor guest feedback, online reviews and satisfaction scores.
Ensure complaints and service recovery matters are handled promptly and professionally.
Maintain consistently high standards across accommodation, food and beverage and guest services.
6. Leadership and Human Resources
Build a professional, service-oriented and performance-driven hotel team.
Recruit, train, coach and retain high-quality employees.
Establish departmental performance indicators and performance-management systems.
Develop local talent through structured training and mentoring.
Create a positive working environment supported by discipline, accountability and teamwork.
Ensure compliance with applicable local employment regulations.
7. Compliance, Safety and Security
Ensure compliance with applicable Burundi laws, hotel licensing requirements, health and safety regulations and statutory requirements.
Establish appropriate fire, emergency, security and crisis-management procedures.
Ensure food safety, hygiene and occupational health standards are maintained.
Maintain strong security protocols for hotel guests, employees and property assets.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates should meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Hospitality, Business Administration or a related discipline.
Between 12 and 18 years of overall hotel experience.
At least five years of experience as a General Manager, Hotel Manager or in a senior leadership position within a reputable property.
Strong experience in the pre-opening and commissioning of hotels is preferred.
Proven experience managing a full-service hotel with multiple revenue streams.
Strong understanding of:
Profit and loss management
Hotel budgeting
Revenue management
Cost control
Demonstrated ability to drive occupancy, Average Daily Rate, Revenue Per Available Room and profitability.
Strong exposure to food and beverage operations, banqueting, conferences and corporate sales.
International hotel experience, particularly within Africa, will be an advantage.
Experience working in developing or emerging markets is strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies
Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Strong commercial awareness with a hands-on operational approach.
Ability to work effectively with hotel owners, expatriate teams, local employees and international guests.
Excellent financial and commercial management capability.
Strong team-building, coaching and talent-development skills.
Ability to establish operational systems, procedures and performance standards.
Strong understanding of guest experience and international hospitality standards.
Fluency in English is essential.
Knowledge of French will be a significant advantage due to the operating environment in Burundi.
Why Join This Organization?
The successful candidate will have an opportunity to:
Lead the pre-opening and launch of a new 4-star hotel.
Build the hotel’s management team and operational culture.
Establish systems, standards and procedures from the ground up.
Influence the hotel’s commercial and guest-experience strategy.
Gain senior leadership exposure within Burundi’s hospitality market.
Work directly with the Board of Directors.
Make a measurable contribution to the development of a leading hospitality brand.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised remuneration package includes:
Net salary of USD 2,000 to USD 2,500 or more
Accommodation
Food
Other expatriate benefits
Final compensation may depend on the successful candidate’s experience and agreed employment terms.
Application Details
Qualified candidates should submit an updated professional résumé by email.
Recommended email subject:
Application – General Manager, Upcoming 4-Star Hotel, Burundi
The vacancy advert does not specify an application deadline. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply promptly.
Important Application Advice
Applicants should ensure their résumé clearly demonstrates:
Hotel pre-opening and launch experience.
Previous General Manager or Hotel Manager responsibilities.
Hotel size and number of rooms managed.
Occupancy, revenue and profitability achievements.
Experience managing multiple hotel revenue streams.
Food and beverage, banqueting and conference experience.
International or African hospitality experience.
English and French language proficiency.
Current location and availability to relocate to Burundi.
Read the Latest Career Advice and Hiring Insights
Strengthen your application with professional career resources and hiring guidance.
Visit the JobsTanzania Career Blog
