Chief Operations Officer (m/f)

Description

• Wilderness Safaris is looking for a motivated, organized individual, seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity in a fast-paced environment and who is willing to travel and spend the majority of time in the field. The individual will be responsible for the oversight of the entire operations of the business, ensuring quality and efficiency of all hospitality services in line with the strategic goals of the business. The individual will need to have the drive to lead, the passion for excellence, and the enthusiasm for team development

Duties

• The primary purpose of the COO role is to oversee the entire lodge business operation processes and to ensure superb customer experience
• The COO will need to continuously look to optimize the company’s lodge operating capabilities, employ strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and provide input and initiatives to market the business
• The COO is responsible for managing supplier, contractor and partner relationships and ensuring the best service and cost structure for the Namibia Region
• The COO will also assist the MD and RFO in the forecasting of the business, and design and implement strategies to safeguard assets and stocks in camps
• The COO needs to work closely with the Regional Finance Officer to ensure that the necessary financial controls are in place in the Lodge operations and to remain close to the financial position of the business
• The COO is overall responsible for the fleet and all assets of the company and lodge operations
• Establishing policies that promote company culture and vision, in conjunction with the MD, HR and Hospitality Support Manager
• Oversee daily operations of the company and the work of management for (Hospitality Support Manager, Fleet and Logistics Manager, Curio Manager, and Area Managers)
• Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication
• Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics
• Write and submit reports to the MD in all matters of importance
• Participate in expansion activities related to the business in (investments, acquisitions, corporate alliances etc.)
• In this position you will team up with the EXCO team to implement business strategies
• To ensure success you should have a clear understanding of the WS core values and culture
• Operational support and advice/input to the Managing Director of the Namibia region, Oversight of the entire lodge operations of the business ensuring, quality and efficiency of all hospitality services in line with the strategic goals of the business
• Ensure lodge operations is running as well as it possibly can, with a smooth efficient service that meets the expectations and needs of guests, staff and Executive

Requisites

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in high-end, luxury safari hospitality market
• Senior Management experience of 5 years or more
• Extensive knowledge of the tourism operations
• Sound business and financial acumen
• Strong industrial relations experience
• Computer Literate - MS Office, email, Internet
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, quality and a history of excellent customer service and uncompromising ethical standards
• A team worker who can liaise with numerous stakeholders at various levels
• Experience in guest and food services
• Excellent communication and rapport-building skills
• You will need to be a proactive self-starter and team player
• People Development skills
• Driver’s license
• Must have the necessary documentation to live and work in Namibia
• Personal Abilities:
• Methodical, organized, disciplined and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent problem solving skills – solutions-focused
• Dynamic, flexible and open to change
• Attention to detail
• Use own initiative
• Good communication skills both written and oral
• Positive attitude and solution driven
• Good time management skills
• Efficient and effective in delivery of results

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted