Operations Manager – Commercial, Finance & F&B

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Operations Manager to oversee property operations and drive commercial performance for a premier boutique luxury hotel in Nairobi.

The ideal candidate should have a strong F&B background, combined with proven expertise in financial management, revenue optimization, commercial strategy and hotel operations. The role will focus on growing revenue, protecting margins and ensuring efficient property performance.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Salary: KES 300,000 per month
Industry: Hospitality / Luxury Hotel

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Commercial Management

• Take overall responsibility for hotel P&L performance in line with USALI principles.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and financial targets.
• Monitor costs, margins, cash flow and operational expenses.
• Implement effective cost-control measures to protect profitability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory requirements, including VAT, Catering Levy, KRA and PAYE obligations.
• Analyze financial and operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.

F&B & MICE Operations

• Drive revenue and profitability across restaurants, bars, cellar programs and other F&B operations.
• Develop and grow private events, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
• Optimize menus, pricing, service standards and F&B cost controls.
• Identify opportunities to increase high-margin F&B and events revenue.
• Work with operational teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Revenue & Distribution Management

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize room and overall property revenue.
• Manage online travel agencies (OTAs), including Booking.com and Expedia.
• Monitor pricing, rate parity, availability and market positioning.
• Strengthen direct and trade distribution channels to improve the hotel's market mix.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity and revenue performance.

Sales & Trade Network Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate clients and key business accounts.
• Build strong networks across Nairobi and East Africa, including diplomatic, corporate and safari DMC markets.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop partnerships that support occupancy and revenue growth.
• Lead commercial initiatives to increase repeat business and direct bookings.

Operations & Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day hotel operations and ensure efficient coordination between departments.
• Lead, mentor and develop operational and commercial teams.
• Maintain high standards of guest service, quality and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, health and safety requirements and industry standards.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and provide regular performance reports to senior management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 8–12 years' experience in the hospitality industry.
• At least 3 years' experience in a senior leadership role, such as Hotel Manager, Executive Assistant Manager, F&B Director or Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Experience within a luxury or upper-upscale hotel environment.
• Strong F&B background with proven commercial and financial management experience.
• Advanced knowledge of hotel financial management, budgeting and revenue management.
• Advanced proficiency in PMS systems such as Opera or Protel.
• Experience with POS systems such as Micros or Simphony.
• Experience with channel management systems such as SiteMinder.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Degree or Diploma in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management or a related field.
• Qualifications from institutions such as Utalii, Strathmore, Glion, EHL, Les Roches or equivalent are an advantage.
• Finance qualifications such as CPA are an added advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of the Nairobi and East African hospitality market.