Operations Manager at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 3 year renewable

Summary

• This role oversees Front of House operations within Hospitality and Travel Services, including Reception, Housekeeping, Administrative Services, Laundry, Sports and Recreation, Campsite, and Conference bookings.
• The I-House Operations Manager analyzes data from the Front Office and Point of Sale systems to ensure accurate revenue allocation.
• Additionally, they act as deputy in the absence of the Head of Hospitality & Travel Services, ensuring seamless operation of all departments.

Duties
Leadership and Management:

• Supervise and manage all employees, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the International House.
• Understand employee roles to effectively assign or perform duties in their absence and ensure recognition across all areas of responsibility.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that promotes staff engagement and motivation.

Communication and Training:

• Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with staff, communicating performance expectations and monitoring progress according to job descriptions.
• Identify the developmental needs of staff; provide coaching, mentoring and feedback to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Develop training programs that enhance team competencies and service delivery.

Guest Services:

• Display exceptional leadership in guest hospitality, ensuring excellent customer service and creating a positive atmosphere for guest relations.
• Respond to and resolve guest problems and complaints promptly and effectively.
• Review guest satisfaction data, including comment cards and surveys, to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

Operational Efficiency:

• Manage daily operations to ensure quality service delivery meets customer expectations across all departments.
• Analyze data from Front Office and Point of Sale systems to ensure revenue is captured and attributed correctly, meeting financial objectives.
• Oversee inventory management for all supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing waste.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for the Front office, Housekeeping and other departments to achieve financial targets.
• Monitor and control departmental expenses while maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Conduct regular financial performance reviews and take corrective actions as necessary.

Goal Achievement:

• Set and achieve performance goals, budget goals, and team objectives, encouraging the team to focus on critical operational components that drive guest satisfaction and financial results.
• Identify performance metrics and develop action plans to improve overall hotel performance.

Service Improvement and Standards:

• Implement and uphold operational policies, procedures and service standards to consistently meet and exceed guest expectations.
• Monitor and enhance service quality by conducting regular audits and preparing reports to ensure compliance with international hospitality standards.

Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

• Work closely with the internal sales teams to develop promotional strategies that drive room sales and enhance brand reputation.
• Participate in revenue management strategies by analyzing market trends and customer preferences to optimize pricing.

Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all IITA/CGIAR, State and Federal regulations regarding safety, health and sanitation.
• Implement risk management strategies, ensuring proper security measures are in place for both guests and staff.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform all other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor and assist the Head of Hospitality & Travel Services in their absence to ensure the smooth running of all departments.
• Maintain effective communication with other hospitality & travel departments to facilitate collaboration and operational coherence.
• Foster relationships with suppliers and service providers to ensure high-quality service and materials are available for operations.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field, with a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a similar role within a well-structured environment

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:

• Be able to command excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have the ability to lead, influence and encourage others.
• Be familiar with front office software packages.
• Have sound knowledge of POS systems.
• Have excellent knowledge of the use of Microsoft Office.

Benefits
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
11th March, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online