Pre-Opening Operations Manager- JD (Consultant)





Location: Gilgil, Kenya Property: Luxury Ranch & Estate Reports To: General Manager / Managing Director Position Type: Full-Time (Pre-Opening to Operational Transition)

Job Summary :



The property is seeking an experienced, high-caliber Pre-Opening Operations Manager to lead the operational setup and execution for our luxury ranch estate in Gilgil.

This role spans the critical pre-opening phase through to seamless daily operations.

You will oversee setup across rooms/hospitality, ranch activities, food and beverage, guest experiences, inventory, and local staffing.

You will bridge build/fit-out readiness with guest service excellence, ensuring the estate opens on schedule, within budget, and to world-class luxury standards while respecting the unique environment of Gilgil.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Pre-Opening Setup & Operational Readiness

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Draft, implement, and refine all operational SOPs across hospitality, guest experiences, ranch activities, housekeeping, and front-of-house.

• Operating Supplies & Equipment (OS&E): Identify, source, order, and organize all OS&E in coordination with procurement and finance.

• Critical Path Management: Track and execute the operational critical path timeline to ensure all departments are fully functional ahead of the soft and grand launches.

• Licensing & Compliance: Coordinate with local Gilgil and Nakuru County authorities to ensure all operating permits, health and safety clearances, liquor licenses, and environmental compliance standards are in place.

1. Team Recruitment, Onboarding & Training

• Staffing Structure: Build the operational organizational chart and job descriptions for ranch, hospitality, and service teams.

• Recruitment: Source and hire top-tier talent, prioritizing local community recruitment from the Gilgil/Naivasha/Nakuru region where applicable.

• Culture & Training: Lead comprehensive service training, brand immersion, and safety programs prior to trial runs and opening.

1. Ranch & Hospitality Operations

• Guest Experience: Design and manage seamless guest journeys—from arrivals, bespoke ranch itineraries (equestrian, nature walks, outdoor dining), to departures.

• Facilities & Estate Coordination: Work closely with grounds, maintenance, and livestock/ranch management teams to integrate hospitality functions with day-to-day estate operations.

• Vendor & Partner Management: Establish relationships with local suppliers, activity providers, and regional logistics partners.

1. Financial & Inventory Control

• Budgeting: Manage pre-opening operational budgets, OS&E allocations, and post-opening departmental operational expenses (OPEX).

• Inventory Systems: Implement stock management, store setup, and audit systems for F&B, linen, housekeeping, and activity gear.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications:



• Experience: 5+ years in hospitality management, with proven experience in pre-opening roles or luxury lodge/boutique ranch environments in East Africa.

• Local Knowledge: Strong familiarity with the Rift Valley region (Gilgil/Naivasha/Nakuru hospitality landscape, logistics, and local talent pools) ( Added Advantage)

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build, train, and lead cross-functional teams in high-touch hospitality settings.

• Operational Versatility: Comfortable switching between high-level project management and hands-on operational work on the ground.

• Systems & Admin: Proficient in property management systems (PMS), inventory control tools, and MS Office / Google Workspace suite.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)



1. On-time and on-budget execution of the pre-opening critical path.

1. Successful execution of trial runs ("dry runs") prior to public launch.

1. 100% compliance with county and national operational licenses and safety mandates.

1. Staff retention and service readiness metrics post-opening.