INTRODUCTION

Umodzi Holdings Limited (UHL), a premier statutory corporation, is seeking a transformative and visionary leader to fill the pivotal role of General Manager (GM) for Umodzi Park Resorts.

This appointment is not merely a routine hiring process; it is a strategic imperative to secure the future of Malawi’s flagship hospitality and conference destination. Umodzi Park Resorts, home to the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), a 5-star hotel, and world-class Presidential Villas, serves as the nation’s primary hub for high-level diplomacy, international commerce, and luxury tourism. To maintain and elevate this prestigious status, we need a results-driven executive who can solidify our position as Africa’s premier destination. The successful candidate will drive a new era of commercial success, operational excellence, and brand distinction. This is a three-year fixed-term contract, renewable based on outstanding performance.

THE ROLE: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

The General Manager will provide visionary leadership across all business units—including the Hotel, Convention Čentre, and Villas. The core mandate is to:

• Drive Business Growth: Aggressively increase market share, occupancy rates, and revenue across corporate, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments
• Ensure Operational Excellence: Enforce rigorous 5-star Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to deliver flawless guest experiences
• Maximize Financial Performance: Optimize productivity and manage costs to maximize Gross Operating Profit (GOP) while ensuring stringent financial controls
• Strengthen Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate high-value relationships with government agencies, diplomatic missions, corporate clients, and industry partners
• Champion Governance & Sustainability: Ensure full compliance with statutory laws, occupational health and safety (OSH), and corporate governance policies.
• Lead & Develop Talent: Build and mentor a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous development.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

We are looking for a seasoned hospitality executive with a proven track record of turning around business fortunes in the African context. The ideal candidate must demonstrate:

Academic Qualification:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management or Tourism.
• A Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or Tourism.

Professional Work Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience at a senior management level within the travel, tourism, or hospitality sector in an African environment.
• Proven, hands-on experience in managing hotel operations, revenue management, and MICE/convention business.
• A demonstrable track record in commercial development and financial performance management, including P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading large, diverse, and cross-functional teams.
• Added Advantage: Successful management of international hotel chains or globally recognized brands.

Core Technical Competencies:

• Deep understanding of international 5-star hospitality standards and best practices.
• Strong command of revenue management strategies and cost optimization
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a strong command of the English language.
• Proficiency in networking and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels.

KEY LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

To succeed in this high-stakes role, the candidate must exhibit the following leadership qualities:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to think long-term and translate strategy into actionable operational plans.
• Business Acumen: Professional financial and commercial insight to drive profitability.
• Problem-Solving: Outstanding ability to resolve complex issues effectively.
• Results Orientation: A relentless drive to achieve and exceed targets.
• People Leadership: Capability to inspire, mentor, and lead cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
• Resilience: Willingness to work when needed, including weekends, holidays, and nights, to ensure operational success.

REMUNERATION

The position offers a highly competitive remuneration package and benefits commensurate with the seniority, strategic importance, and experience required for this role.

• Drive Business Growth: Aggressively increase market share, occupancy rates, and revenue across corporate, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments
• Ensure Operational Excellence: Enforce rigorous 5-star Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to deliver flawless guest experiences
• Maximize Financial Performance: Optimize productivity and manage costs to maximize Gross Operating Profit (GOP) while ensuring stringent financial controls
• Strengthen Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate high-value relationships with government agencies, diplomatic missions, corporate clients, and industry partners
• Champion Governance & Sustainability: Ensure full compliance with statutory laws, occupational health and safety (OSH), and corporate governance policies.
• Lead & Develop Talent: Build and mentor a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous development.

• Deep understanding of international 5-star hospitality standards and best practices.
• Strong command of revenue management strategies and cost optimization
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a strong command of the English language.
• Proficiency in networking and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to think long-term and translate strategy into actionable operational plans.
• Business Acumen: Professional financial and commercial insight to drive profitability.
• Problem-Solving: Outstanding ability to resolve complex issues effectively.
• Results Orientation: A relentless drive to achieve and exceed targets.
• People Leadership: Capability to inspire, mentor, and lead cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
• Resilience: Willingness to work when needed, including weekends, holidays, and nights, to ensure operational success.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management or Tourism.
• A Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or Tourism.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience at a senior management level within the travel, tourism, or hospitality sector in an African environment.
• Proven, hands-on experience in managing hotel operations, revenue management, and MICE/convention business.
• A demonstrable track record in commercial development and financial performance management, including P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading large, diverse, and cross-functional teams.
• Added Advantage: Successful management of international hotel chains or globally recognized brands.