Wilderness Rwanda – Operations Manager
Wilderness
Kigali, Rwanda
Permanent
Posted 11 March 2024 – Closing Date 05 April 2024
Job Details
Job Description
The successful candidate will work closely with the management team to implement business strategies, continuously looking at ways to optimise the business’ operating capabilities – thus maximising guest satisfaction and providing input and initiatives to market the business.
This role ensures cost control activities in assigned areas to guarantee sound financial control, assisting the MD and Regional Financial Officer (RFO) in the forecasting of the business and designing and implementing strategies to safeguard assets and stocks in camps. Working closely with the RFO, the Operations Manager needs to ensure that the necessary financial controls are in place and to remain close to the financial position of the business.
This position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities included but are not limited to those outlined below.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provides support to the MD to ensure that the business achieves its business objectives and creates an environment that promotes staff commitment to the achievement of the company’s vision and strategy.
- Promote Wilderness through personal engagements with agents and VIP’s when they visit our camps, or ensure that the operations team are there to host.
- Working together with key participants to compile the forecast for the Rwanda operations.
- Driving the company’s operating capabilities to surpass guest satisfaction and retention, and company goals
- Controlling company costs, and introducing tactical initiatives to address theft and other losses.
- Preparing timely and accurate performance reports.
- To ensure that all aspects of the operation are running effectively and efficiently within agreed business parameters.
- Direct the annual forecasting and capex process and subsequent control of operational costs thereafter.
- Planning and controlling change within the business.
Organisational Effectiveness:
- Drive initiatives and effectiveness and collaboration amongst the management and functional teams.
- To oversee the maintenance of the plants and assets of the company
- Serve as the major link between Operations and Impact departments, in view of the fact that environmental compliance is the responsibility of camp and operations management
- Plan, develop and implement strategy for operational management and development in order to meet agreed organisational performance plans within agreed budgets and timelines.
- Work closely with the team to ensure product alterations are effectively altered in booking systems and communicated to market.
- Always look for, suggest and implement cost saving, where relevant and in business objectives.
- Ensure camps and operations is in compliance with Environmental Minimum Standards of Wilderness and the Government of Rwanda.
Leadership:
- Inspire a culture of positive leadership in every situation and empower staff according to the Wilderness Way
- To oversee day-to-day operations and supporting services activities; to ensure employees work productively and develop professionalism
- Organise, coach, challenge and develop staff
- Reinforce Wilderness group culture, values and reputation while ensuring compliance with Wilderness policies
- Recruit, hire, train and manage operational staff members to ensure that they have the skills needed to perform their jobs effectively
- Manage and help train lodge staff to ensure optimal productivity
- Drive a culture of showing care and appreciation
Business development
- Maintain positive and trust base relations with business partners.
- Analyse data to identify problems within the department or business and recommend solutions to address those problems.
- Oversight and coordination of all ad hoc operational projects.
- Ensure all licensing is sound and up to date throughout the business.
Finance and administration:
- To evaluate and improve the operation and financial performance of the lodges; to identify opportunities; to oversee any budgetary preparations and to maintain costs and optimise expenses
- Coordinate with the MD and implement all administrative strategies as required
- Improve efficiencies in cost, productivity and guest service.
- Manage the businesses to create maximum efficiency by managing your senior team, in line with Wilderness Policies and procedures.
- Asset management
Systems:
- Support, development and implementation of best practice standards as per group standards.
- Facilitation of the sharing of best practices amongst teams.
- Succession planning and talent pipeline management in all areas of operation.
- Work with RFO to implement a sound asset management system to minimize loss, maximise proactive management and minimizes cost.
- Implement, maintain and improve the Wilderness Environmental management systems and well being policies in camp (this is done with the Impact Manager and HR).
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Post Graduate Degree in Business Management/Administration, Commerce or similar is preferable.
- Must have background in senior management in the private sector.
- Must have 5 – 7 years work experience.
- Knowledge and experience in hospitality and lodge operations.
- Project management skills.
- Strong financial acumen.
- Good leadership skills and experience in full MS Office suite.
COMPETENCIES:
- Emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal skills.
- Good communication skills both verbal and written.
- Ability to make tough decisions.
- Problem-solving skills in order to identify issues, develop solutions and implement them.
- Personal leadership skills, self-awareness and taking responsibility for personal development.
- Diversity management, ability to embrace divergent points of view and socio-cultural differences.
INTERESTS:
- A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.
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