Managing Director

Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and eco-escapes 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. 

The Managing Director would be responsible for performing duties as the highest-ranking executive to guide the Company and property practices and procedures. The duties will include overseeing company sales and marketing and reservations, operations, overseeing current management team, managing the annual budget and performance of the company and make crucial decisions that impact the property brand identity and financial health. The position will ideally be based in Windhoek, alternatively at the Head Office in Cape Town depending on the successful candidate.

• Implementation of the strategy of the Zambezi Queen Collection aligned with the Board of Directors.
• Establishing policies that promote company culture and vision as per strategy provided.
• Collaborate with ExCom and managers to develop a detailed business plan that sets clear, measurable goals for performance and growth.
• Assist in setting annual financial targets and budget development and monitoring.
• Oversee daily operations of the company and the work of key executives in Marketing, Sales, Reservations, Finance, Operations and IT including systems.
• Evaluate performance by analysing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Compile and submit reports monthly to the Chairman of the board.
• Manage critical relationships with partners including clients and suppliers.
• Cost control throughout business according to budgets.
• Skilled in developing and implementing commercial strategies according to company goals and objectives aiming to accelerate growth.
• Conducting market research and analysis to create detailed business plans on commercial opportunities (expansion, business development etc.)
• Build and maintain profitable partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Understand the requirements of existing customers to ensure their needs are being met.
• Act and direct relevant department to acquire new customers and manage client relationships (new and existing.)
• Manage the Immigration and Home Affairs relationship for staff around visas and work permits for key individuals.
• Lead management and employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.
• Collaborate with and coordinate diverse teams (reservations, marketing, sales, finance, operations etc.)
• Must have working knowledge of incentivizing staff to perform at the highest level.
• Manage the assets involved in terms of routine maintenance and upkeep as well as strategic capex planning and deployment in line with the overall strategy for the business.

• Proven experience as an Executive leader at a Safari Lodge or relevant role.
• Understanding of business functions such as Sales and Marketing, Reservations, HR, Finance, Operations of a hotel or Safari business.
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development.
• Qualified in Business Administration, Hotel Management, or relevant field, MBA is a plus.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics.
• Working knowledge of IT/Business infrastructure and MS Office 365.
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.

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

Why work for Mantis/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.

About the 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. Visit https://www.mantiscollection.com/ to discover more about our incredible brand.

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/

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