Chief Operations Officer (COO) – Uganda

Our client, a prestigious and growing group in the luxury safari hospitality sector, is seeking a visionary, strategic, and hands-on Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee and align all lodge and travel operations across its portfolio. This is a senior leadership role ideal for someone with deep regional knowledge and a passion for elevating guest experiences while driving operational excellence and sustainable business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision Execution

• Work closely with the CEO to define, implement, and monitor the company’s strategic plan and growth goals.
• Translate the brand’s vision into actionable operational strategies across lodges, safari operations, and support units.
• Guide expansion into new markets, partnerships, and destinations aligned with luxury eco- tourism values.

2. Group Operations Oversight
   • Oversee the day-to-day performance of all lodges, safari operations, and guest service
   • Drive consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences and brand-standard services across
   • Implement group-wide SOPs, service benchmarks, and systems to enhance operational
3. Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead, mentor, and empower regional lodge managers and department heads with a focus on high accountability and performance.
• Foster a values-based, service-oriented company
• Build leadership capacity within teams through coaching, talent development, and structured succession planning.

4. Financial Performance & Resource Management

• Take full ownership of budgeting, cost controls, and ROI management across all
• Monitor and optimize performance indicators such as RevPAR, GOP margins, guest satisfaction scores, and retention rates.
• Drive profitability through smart resource allocation, procurement, and asset

5. Guest Experience & Quality Control

• Ensure consistent delivery of high-touch, immersive safari and lodge
• Develop and implement systems to track, report, and act on guest feedback across all
• Innovate in service delivery while maintaining the authenticity of the brand’s safari

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Business Development
   • Manage key relationships with tour operators, DMCs, conservation partners, and community
   • Support the development of new lodge concepts, partnerships, and business
   • Represent the company in high-level forums, travel trade events, and sustainability

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of 12+ years of senior leadership in the luxury hospitality or lodge sector, with at least 5 years at a multi-unit or regional level.
2. Strong operational background with proven ability to scale and improve performance across
3. Demonstrated track record in leading teams, building systems, and driving cultural
4. Financially astute with experience managing P&Ls, budgeting, and performance
5. Deep understanding of the East African safari market, eco-tourism, and high-end guest
6. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and leadership communication
7. A degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field (Master’s or Proffesional Certiifcation preferred).