Pre-Opening General Manager (Hospitality) – Nairobi

About the role

A client of Summit Recruitment & Search is looking for a Pre-Opening General Manager to lead the setup, launch and operational readiness of a new hotel in Nairobi. The role reports to the Director for Finance and Administration and covers all pre-opening activities; the candidate transitions into the General Manager role after opening, subject to performance. Experience in hotel operations, pre-openings and international hotel brand or franchise standards is an added advantage.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all pre-opening activities to ensure timely operational readiness of the hotel.
• Ensure compliance with international hotel brand or franchise standards across all operational areas.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and structuring of all hotel departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Kitchen, Restaurant, Stores and Marketing.
• Develop and implement operational systems, standard operating procedures and technology platforms needed for launch and ongoing operations.
• Support financial planning and setup, including budgeting, cost control, pricing structures and revenue planning.
• Oversee procurement, supplier onboarding and stock management systems in line with policy and operational requirements.
• Coordinate sales, marketing and business development activities to support launch readiness and early revenue performance.
• Manage overall launch readiness and post-opening operations, including staffing, training, compliance, service delivery, guest experience and operational performance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in hotel operations.
• 2-3 years' experience in hotel pre-opening or hotel setup/project roles.
• Experience with international hotel brands or franchise systems is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of hotel operations, including budgeting, staffing, marketing and brand compliance.
• Ability to manage structured operational projects with multiple workstreams.

What we offer

• Medical allowance.
• Provident fund.
• Educational support.

Applications are made through the recruitment agency, which states that it cannot respond to every applicant and advises candidates to check back after two weeks if they have not heard back.