About the position
ENVIRONMENT:
Our client is seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Operations Executive – Gaming, Hospitality & Entertainment to lead the strategic and operational direction of a large-scale, integrated complex. This executive role carries full accountability for Gaming, Hotel Operations, Conferencing, and Entertainment, ensuring a seamless, world-class guest experience while driving sustainable revenue growth and profitability. Gaming operations sit at the core of the business, and this role requires a strong leader who can leverage performance insights, customer strategy, and operational excellence to maximise returns and enhance competitive positioning. You will play a pivotal role in shaping business strategy, leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering exceptional experiences across all customer touchpoints.
DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership & Commercial Performance
- Define and execute the overall operational strategy aligned to Group objectives and long-term growth
- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and operational performance across Gaming, Hospitality, and Entertainment
- Translate market trends, customer insights, and business intelligence into actionable strategies
- Identify and unlock new revenue streams, partnerships, and commercial opportunities
Gaming & VIP Performance
- Optimise gaming floor performance through product mix, customer segmentation, and loyalty strategies
- Oversee VIP and premium player strategy, ensuring strong acquisition, retention, and revenue contribution
- Ensure full compliance with gaming regulations, licence conditions, and internal controls
- Leverage performance data to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency
Operational Excellence
- Oversee end-to-end operations across casino, hotel, conferencing, and entertainment functions
- Implement performance-driven operating models to enhance service quality and efficiency
- Ensure delivery of a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all divisions
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement to strengthen market competitiveness
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and develop diverse, multi-functional leadership teams, fostering a high-performance culture
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, unions, customers, and executive stakeholders
- Champion transformation and B-BBEE initiatives, including governance and reporting structures
- Promote collaboration and alignment across all business units
Financial Management
- Oversee budgets, forecasts, and financial planning across multiple divisions
- Drive cost optimisation and operational efficiencies while maintaining service excellence
- Ensure sound financial governance and accountability
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in a similar executive leadership role within a complex, multi-business environment
- Proven track record of driving commercial performance and operational excellence at scale
- Deep understanding of gaming operations, revenue optimisation, and regulatory environments
- Strong experience in strategic leadership, financial management, and operational transformation
- Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement capability
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large-scale budgets and P&L responsibility
Qualifications
- Matric
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Gaming Management, or a related field
- Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous
Operational Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel when required
- Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
- Comfortable working in a smoking environment
- Will be required to obtain a Gaming Licence
Desired Skills:
- Entertainment
- Gaming
- Hospitality
About The Employer:
An award-winning hospitality and entertainment company which operates properties located across South Africa and Botswana.
