Hotel Operations Manager
Excelon Limited
Quick Take
Run all daily operations across a multi-faceted resort facility in Ruiru—managing accommodation, F&B, housekeeping, events, and teams—while driving occupancy, guest satisfaction, and revenue.
5+ years managing hotel/resort operations with multi-department oversight, strong event coordination and client management skills, and solid financial acumen.
Hands-on leadership role at a growing hospitality destination with competitive salary (KES 120–200k/mo), exposure to diverse revenue streams (weddings, conferences, corporate events), and opportunity to shape a vibrant facility's culture and performance.
Job Description
Excelon Limited is recruiting on behalf of a fast-growing hospitality and events destination nestled in the scenic surroundings of Ruiru, near Mugutha Dam. This vibrant resort facility offers a full suite of services including accommodation, outdoor events, conferencing, fine dining, recreation activities, and bespoke guest experiences — hosting everything from intimate weddings and family outings to large-scale corporate events and conferences.
We are seeking a highly organised, commercially driven, and hands-on Operations Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day running of this dynamic facility. The ideal candidate will be passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving operational efficiency, team performance, and sustainable revenue growth across all departments.
- Oversee and coordinate all daily resort operations including accommodation, food & beverage, housekeeping, security, grounds, and maintenance departments.
- Ensure consistently high standards of customer service and guest satisfaction across all touchpoints.
- Handle guest complaints and escalations professionally, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute weddings, conferences, outdoor functions, and special corporate events from inquiry to delivery.
- Drive occupancy rates, event bookings, and customer retention through proactive commercial strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners, travel agents, and hospitality partners.
- Support and contribute to marketing and promotional activities designed to grow revenue streams.
- Supervise, schedule, train, and mentor operational staff across all departments, enforcing performance standards and discipline where necessary.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and genuine customer-centricity among all staff.
- Monitor and manage operational budgets, control costs, and ensure sound procurement and stock management practices.
- Prepare regular operational reports, performance updates, and financial summaries for management review.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and hospitality regulations at all times.
- Coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, and supplier management to ensure all grounds and infrastructure remain in excellent condition.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of progressive experience managing operations within a hotel, resort, or events facility — including direct oversight of multiple departments simultaneously.
- Lead, motivate, and performance-manage cross-functional teams, setting clear expectations and driving accountability at every level.
- Coordinate end-to-end event logistics for weddings, conferences, and corporate functions, managing timelines, vendors, and client expectations concurrently.
- Apply sound financial management principles — preparing budgets, monitoring expenditure, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and reporting on operational performance.
- Resolve complex guest complaints and operational challenges decisively and diplomatically, maintaining service quality under pressure.
- Use Microsoft Office proficiency and familiarity with hospitality management systems to manage reporting, scheduling, and communications effectively.
- Hold a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills — engaging credibly with guests, staff, suppliers, and senior management alike.
The salary for this role is estimated at KES 120,000 – 200,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excelon Limited and its client offer a competitive remuneration package reflective of the seniority and scope of this position. Additional benefits may include performance-linked incentives and on-site staff facilitation given the resort's location in Ruiru.
This role is ideal for a seasoned hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-department environment and has a proven track record of delivering memorable guest experiences while hitting commercial targets. You should be comfortable being hands-on on the ground while also thinking strategically about growth. Candidates with direct resort, conferencing, or events management experience in Kenya are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please do not apply if you have fewer than 5 years of relevant hospitality operations experience, have only worked in a single-department role (e.g. purely F&B or purely front office), or are not comfortable with the Ruiru-based, on-site nature of this position. This is not a remote or hybrid role.
- Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your hospitality operations experience, departments managed, and any notable achievements in guest satisfaction or revenue growth.
- Write a concise cover letter (no more than one page) addressing why you are the right fit for this specific resort operations role.
- Submit your application through Excelon Limited's official recruitment channels or the job platform where this posting was listed.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Minimum 5 years progressive experience in hotel, resort, or events facility operations management
- Proven ability to oversee multiple departments simultaneously and manage cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated experience coordinating end-to-end event logistics (weddings, conferences, corporate functions)
- Financial management skills including budget preparation, cost control, and operational reporting
- Strong customer service orientation and proven track record resolving guest complaints professionally
Nice to Have
- Experience in the East African hospitality or tourism sector
- Knowledge of health, safety, and hospitality regulations in Kenya
- Familiarity with hotel management systems and operational software
- Track record of driving revenue growth and occupancy rate improvements
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-to-senior level salary for Hotel Operations Manager in Nairobi
The KES 120,000–200,000 range is competitive for an operations manager at a full-service resort facility in the Nairobi region. Salary variation typically reflects experience level, department breadth, event volume handled, and the employer's profitability; established managers with strong revenue track records command the upper end.
About Excelon Limited
Excelon Limited is a recruitment and facilities management company representing a fast-growing hospitality and events destination near Mugutha Dam in Ruiru. The resort operates a comprehensive venue offering accommodation, fine dining, conferencing, and bespoke event hosting for weddings, corporate functions, and leisure guests. The company is positioned to capture growing demand in Nairobi's events and hospitality market, making it an attractive employer for operations-focused professionals seeking impact in a dynamic, multi-revenue environment.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through your experience managing a facility with multiple revenue streams (accommodation, events, dining). How did you balance competing priorities and drive growth across all areas?
- 2
Tell us about a time you coordinated a large event or conference from start to finish. What challenges did you face, and how did you ensure client satisfaction?
- 3
How do you approach building and motivating a team across different departments with different operational rhythms (e.g. housekeeping vs. events)?
- 4
Describe your approach to controlling operational costs while maintaining high service standards. Can you share a specific cost-saving initiative you led?
- 5
What strategies would you use to increase occupancy rates and drive repeat bookings or event bookings for a resort venue in the Ruiru/greater Nairobi area?
Application Tips
Emphasise quantifiable achievements: highlight occupancy rate improvements, revenue growth, event volume handled, or cost savings you've driven in previous roles—use numbers and percentages.
Showcase your event coordination credentials explicitly—detail wedding, conference, or corporate event projects you've managed end-to-end, including guest count, complexity, and client feedback.
Demonstrate commercial mindset: explain how you've contributed to marketing, client relationship building, or revenue diversification—this role requires a manager who thinks like a business owner, not just an administrator.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Clear, specific job description with detailed daily responsibilities and departmental oversight—you'll know exactly what's expected.
- Competitive salary range (KES 120–200k/mo) reflects genuine scale and professionalism; the upper end suggests strong earning potential for high performers.
- Hands-on, autonomous role with full operational ownership—ideal for a self-starter who wants real impact and leadership without heavy bureaucracy.
- Multi-faceted facility (accommodation + F&B + events) offers diverse experience and revenue exposure attractive for career progression to regional or group-level roles.
Watch Out
- Job description is cut off mid-sentence at the end ('reporting on operati...'), suggesting the posting may be incomplete or hastily prepared—clarify full responsibilities before applying.
- No mention of benefits (health insurance, leave, bonuses, accommodation discounts), which are standard for hospitality management roles at this salary level—request details early in conversations.
- Vague on performance metrics and success criteria—the posting lists many responsibilities but doesn't specify what 'success' looks like (e.g. occupancy targets, event revenue, staff turnover goals).
A Day in the Life
Your week oscillates between strategic and tactical. Monday mornings begin with a departmental heads meeting reviewing occupancy, event pipeline, and staffing issues. Mid-week, you're likely coordinating a wedding walkthrough with the couple and your events, catering, and housekeeping teams, while simultaneously troubleshooting a maintenance issue in the conference wing and reviewing that quarter's P&L with finance. You'll spend time on the grounds inspecting facilities, handling a guest escalation around room service, and closing a corporate booking call. Evenings during events mean floor presence—greeting clients, ensuring service flows, and problem-solving in real time. Budget reviews, vendor negotiations, and team performance discussions fill the gaps between crises and celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Hotel Operations Manager at Excelon Limited?
You need at least 5 years of progressive operations management experience in a hotel, resort, or events facility, with proven ability to manage multiple departments, coordinate events, and handle financial reporting. A hospitality diploma or degree is beneficial but experience and demonstrated results are weighted more heavily.
Is the Hotel Operations Manager role at Excelon Limited remote?
No—this is a full-time, on-site role based at the resort facility in Ruiru. The nature of operations management (daily oversight, guest interaction, event presence) requires physical presence at the venue.
How much does a Hotel Operations Manager earn at Excelon Limited?
The posted salary range is KES 120,000–200,000 per month, depending on your experience level, track record of revenue growth, and the scope of responsibilities. The upper end typically goes to candidates with 7+ years of senior operations experience or proven ability to drive significant occupancy and event growth.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
This role is a strong springboard to Regional Operations Manager, Hotel General Manager, or Hospitality Group Director positions. Success here—particularly in revenue growth and team leadership—makes you competitive for larger properties or multi-unit oversight within the hospitality sector or with other players in Kenya's growing events and leisure market.
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