General Manager - Mantis Al Bahah (pre-opening)

Mantis, part of the Luxury & Lifestyle division of Accor, is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and curated eco-resorts located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.

General Manager

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the General Manager will lead strategic planning, ensuring the successful opening and operation of the resort. The role encompasses fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, and inclusion among staff, prioritizing exceptional guest experiences, and driving financial goals. His/her leadership extends to community engagement, maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders, shareholders, and serving as a brand ambassador for Mantis. He/she will champion sustainability and eco-tourism initiatives, integrating responsible practices into our operations. The aim is to achieve operational excellence, ensure guest satisfaction, promote environmental care, and set a benchmark in the hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the successful opening and operation of the resort, including establishing operational policies and procedures, staffing plans, financial goals, and developing long-term forecasts and a 5-year business plan.
• Leadership: Provide strong leadership and direction to all resort staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, excellence, and guest satisfaction. Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to service excellence. Additionally, lead by example and promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the resort.
• Talent Acquisition: Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing team of hospitality professionals across all departments, ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service.
• Financial Management: Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue management, and cost control. Develop a pre-opening budget and ensure the opening occurs within the given timeline. Monitor financial performance against targets, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Guest Experience: Ensure that the resort consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences, exceeding expectations at every touchpoint. Implement guest feedback mechanisms to continually improve service quality and guest satisfaction.
• Sales and Marketing: Collaborate with the sales and marketing team to develop and execute strategies to drive revenue and occupancy levels. Implement marketing initiatives to promote the resort and attract new guests while maintaining relationships with existing clientele.
• Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with all local regulations and brand standards regarding health, safety, and sanitation. Implement policies and procedures to protect the well-being of guests and staff, maintaining the resort's reputation and brand integrity.
• Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with the local community and stakeholders, representing the resort in a positive light and participating in community events and initiatives.
• Project Management: Lead the pre-opening process, collaborating with architects, interior designers, contractors, and equipment suppliers to ensure the timely and successful completion of the resort and lodges. Oversee procurement of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), as well as Operating Supplies and Equipment (OS&E), within budget.
• Eco-Tourism and Sustainability: Develop and implement eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices throughout the resort operations. Collaborate with staff and local stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental responsibility and incorporate eco-tourism principles into guest experiences.
• Internal and External Communication: Foster and maintain strong communication and collaboration with the owning company and ensure alignment of goals and objectives. Provide regular updates on resort operations and performance, and work closely to address any challenges or opportunities. Uphold the values and standards of Mantis, contributing to a mutually beneficial partnership.

• Work Experience: Previous role as a General Manager in a high-end resort in the Middle East, with pre-opening experience in remote locations.
• Education: Diploma or Degree preferably in hospitality or a related field, with a commitment to ongoing learning.
• Communication Skills: Fully proficient in English, with excellent communication and presentation abilities. Arabic language is a plus.
• Sustainability Passion: Dedicated to sustainability, environmental care, eco-tourism, and creating unforgettable experiences.
• Leadership: Proven leadership, organizational, and people skills, along with strategic thinking and excellent presentation abilities. Demonstrated ability to lead effectively, promote positive employee relations, and maintain a harmonious workplace.
• Business Acumen: Focused on results, with a commitment to quality guest service and team building. Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss analysis, and a creative and innovative approach.
• Profile: Projects a professional demeanor and strategic outlook, highly organized with an entrepreneurial mindset. Engaging, friendly, and charismatic, with a natural ability to connect with guests/colleagues. Performs well under pressure, analyzes and resolves issues, and exercises sound judgment.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

About Mantis Collection: Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely-acclaimed Private Game Reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably. From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS