# Hospitality General Manager (Heritage Site)

> ARVO · Cape Town, South Africa · Full-time · Posted 2026-04-21

**Salary:** unknown currency 2,000,000–2,200,000

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** Babylonstoren

## Description

### **Hospitality General Manager**

-   **Location:** Cornwall (ideal candidate based in South Africa who will relocate to the UK)
-   **Salary:** Competitive with benefits
-   **Start Date:** As soon as possible

Our client seeks an experienced and dynamic **Hospitality General Manager** to oversee operations within their hospitality business based in **Cornwall**. This leadership role involves managing all aspects of the hospitality service to ensure excellent guest experiences, operational efficiency, and business profitability.

This is a beautiful, nationally significant **heritage visitor attraction and cultural destination** in Cornwall, part of a larger group based in **South Africa and England.**

The General Manager is a vital role, responsible for the overall leadership, performance, sustainability, and public standing of the business.

### Key Responsibilities

**Strategy, Planning & Execution**

-   Lead the development and delivery of the site’s strategic direction through an integrated annual business planning and budgeting process.
-   Translate long-term vision into clear, actionable operational plans, capital programmes, and growth initiatives.
-   Ensure full organisational alignment behind agreed objectives, priorities, and performance targets.

**Financial Leadership & Governance**

-   Take full ownership of the site’s P&L, including revenue growth, cost control, margin management, and investment decisions.
-   Ensure all financial decisions are grounded in strong governance, robust risk management, and clear accountability.
-   Oversee pricing strategies, workforce planning, and capital allocation to support long-term financial sustainability.

**Operations & Visitor Experience**

-   Provide overarching leadership across all aspects of site operations, including:

-   Visitor experience (Rectory, War Rooms, exhibitions, and hosting)
-   Hospitality, including restaurant, retail, and events
-   Grounds, gardens, and overall estate presentation
-   Technical infrastructure and exhibition systems

-   Maintain exceptional standards of safety, operational reliability, storytelling, and hospitality at all times.

**Property & Estate Management**

-   Act as landlord for all on-site properties, including staff accommodation and rental units.
-   Ensure full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including:

-   Health & Safety standards
-   Gas, electrical, and fire regulations
-   Letting and tenancy obligations
-   Ongoing property maintenance and risk management

**People Leadership & Culture**

-   Lead, develop, and inspire both management and frontline teams to deliver high performance.
-   Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable working culture through effective performance management and conflict resolution.
-   Build a cohesive, high-trust leadership team capable of delivering operational excellence and long-term strategic growth.

**Stakeholder & Shareholder Reporting**

-   Own and manage all formal reporting to senior stakeholders and shareholders.
-   Provide clear, accurate, and timely insights on:

-   Financial performance
-   Operational effectiveness
-   Key risks and challenges
-   Progress against strategic objectives

**External Representation & Public Profile**

-   Act as the ambassador and public face of the visitor attraction.
-   Represent the organisation at local, national, and international conferences, industry events, and heritage forums.
-   Deliver presentations to media, partners, and interest groups for both promotional and educational purposes.
-   Engage with key external stakeholders, including:

-   Local and regional government
-   Community organisations
-   Tourism bodies
-   Heritage and cultural institutions

**Partnerships & Reputation Management**

-   Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with:

-   Local councils and tourism organisations
-   Community and cultural groups
-   Heritage bodies and institutions
-   Suppliers, sponsors, and commercial partners

-   Safeguard and enhance the reputation, credibility, and national profile of the organisation as a leading heritage and cultural destination.

## Requirements

### Candidate Requirements

-   **Proven experience in hospitality management, preferably as a General Manager or similar senior role.**
-   Strong leadership and team management skills.
-   Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
-   Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and controlling costs.
-   Ability to work under pressure and resolve issues efficiently.
-   Knowledge of health and safety regulations within the hospitality industry.
-   Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
-   **Tertiary qualification** in hospitality or related field.
-   **Bilingual in Afrikaans and English.**

## Benefits

-   Relocation and arrangement of working permit included.
-   A competitive annual package.
-   International travel opportunities.

## Apply

[Apply at ARVO](https://apply.workable.com/arvo/j/CD274FEAF0/apply)

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