Hotel Operations Manager
Kariera.Group Recruitment Services is seeking to recruit, a professional for the position of Operations Manager
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Hotel Operations Manager to oversee the daily operation of a luxury seasonal 4-star hotel, ensuring consistently high standards of service, operational excellence, guest experience and commercial performance across all departments.
The property comprises four swimming pools, restaurants, bars, room and pool service among other services offered, while also hosting destination weddings and private events annually.
Profile
We are looking for a true hospitality leaden leader and host who combines genuine warmth with strong operational discipline and the ability to inspire the same mentality across the entire hotel operation.
The successful candidate will be visible throughout the hotel, naturally engage with guests, anticipate their needs and ensure a personal, attentive and memorable experience throughout the guest journey.
This role requires someone who takes ownership, leads by example and is comfortable being hands-on in a fast-paced seasonal environment. The ideal candidate will combine a strong guest-focused mentality with excellent organizational and commercial awareness, attention to detail and the ability to lead and develop Heads of Department and operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
· Coordinate the daily hotel operation and ensure all departments work efficiently together towards a common hospitality standard.
· Lead and support Heads of Department, ensuring consistent operational, service and guest-experience standards across the property.
· Foster a genuine host mentality throughout the hotel, encouraging teams to recognize guest preferences, anticipate needs and build authentic connections.
· Oversee the complete guest journey from pre-arrival through departure and post-stay follow-up, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
· Maintain a strong and visible presence throughout the hotel, particularly during peak operational periods, and personally manage critical operational situations and service recovery.
· Personally engage with guests, understand their needs and expectations, and ensure concerns or special requests are followed through effectively.
· Lead by example, setting the tone for a culture of genuine hospitality, ownership, accountability and attention to detail.
· Coordinate closely with Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Events, Maintenance, Spa, Security and other operational departments.
· Ensure effective communication and collaboration between departments, with the guest experience at the center of operational decision-making.
· Monitor guest satisfaction, operational quality, staffing, payroll, costs, revenue and departmental performance.
· Identify service gaps and operational opportunities and implement practical improvements to enhance the overall guest experience.
· Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, pools and hotel facilities, ensuring consistent standards and operational readiness.
· Coordinate maintenance, facilities, assets and corrective actions, ensuring issues are identified and resolved promptly.
· Ensure compliance with SOPs, HACCP, health & safety, legal, security and company requirements.
· Lead daily operational meetings, maintain clear action plans and ensure timely follow-up on key operational issues.
· Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management, ensuring the right people and the right hospitality mindset are in place.
· Develop and coach Heads of Department and teams, promoting accountability, collaboration and consistent service standards.
· Support the planning and execution of seasonal opening and closing, including operational preparation, training, inspections, inventories and handovers.
· Act as a senior operational decision-maker, ensuring effective communication, coordination and follow-through across departments.
· Take ownership of guest issues and service recovery, ensuring concerns are resolved professionally, empathetically and with appropriate follow-up.
· Report key operational results, guest-experience matters, departmental issues and corrective actions to the CEO.
Requirements
· Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in hotel operations within 4- or 5-star hotels or resorts.
· Proven experience managing multiple hotel departments and leading Heads of Department.
· Strong hands-on operational and guest-service experience in a high-quality hotel environment.
· Genuine hospitality, mentality, excellent interpersonal skills and a natural ability to connect with guests.
· Proven ability to build a culture where employees act as hosts rather than simply service providers.
· Strong leadership, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
· Proven ability to develop, coach and hold teams accountable for consistent service standards.
· Good understanding of hotel financials, budgets, payroll, revenue and operational KPIs.
· Strong knowledge of hotel operations, health & safety, HACCP and compliance standards.
· Excellent Greek and English communication skills, both spoken and written.
· Good knowledge of hotel PMS and other operational systems, with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
· Availability for the 2027 season, including pre-opening preparation and closing responsibilities.
· Flexibility to work scheduled early mornings, evenings, weekends, public holidays and peak operational periods.
· Experience in luxury seasonal hotels and seasonal opening and closing will be considered an advantage.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
· Private single-room accommodation.
· Half-board meal plan.
· A dynamic, professional and supportive team environment.
· A hands-on leadership role within a luxury seasonal hospitality operation.
· Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
· A collaborative working environment with close interaction across all hotel departments.
· The opportunity to be part of a team focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Department
- Hospitality
- Role
- Hotel Manager
- Location
- Santorini