Job Title: Hotel Manager

Location: Shizuka Ryokan, Hepburn, Victoria, Australia
Reports to: Owner/Director

Responsibilities:

The Hotel Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Shizuka Ryokan, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience aligns with the traditions of Japanese hospitality. This includes managing staff, maintaining the ryokan’s cultural integrity, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a tranquil, wellness-focused environment for all guests. The Hotel Manager will also be responsible for maintaining high standards in service, cleanliness, and wellness offerings, ensuring the ryokan remains Australia's premier authentic Japanese retreat.

Main Tasks:

Guest Experience Management: Oversee the entire guest experience from booking to arrival to departure, ensuring that every guest enjoys an authentic Japanese ryokan experience, including omotenashi, traditional Japanese meals, wellness treatments, and bathing rituals.

Team Management: Supervise, mentor, and train staff in the delivery of Japanese hospitality and wellness services. This includes coaching staff in omotenashi (the Japanese art of hospitality) and ensuring that service standards are consistently met.

Operational Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations of the ryokan, including guestroom management, dining services, and spa facilities. Ensure the smooth running of the traditional Japanese bathhouse and that all wellness treatments are delivered to the highest standards.

Cultural Integrity: Maintain the authenticity of the Japanese cultural experience, overseeing the implementation of Japanese customs, rituals, and dietary practices throughout the ryokan.

Financial Management: Monitor budget, manage costs, and ensure financial targets are met. Prepare reports on occupancy, revenue, and guest satisfaction.

Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure the health and safety of guests and staff by maintaining a safe and clean environment and complying with local regulations.

Strategic Planning: Assist in planning for future growth and development of the ryokan, including the enhancement of guest services, facilities, and offerings.

Relevant Qualifications:

Degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Tourism, or a related field.

Japanese language skills (spoken and written) are required.

Relevant Skills:

Cultural Knowledge: Deep understanding of Japanese culture, including traditional hospitality (omotenashi), bathing rituals, cuisine (e.g., Kaiseki Ryori, Shojin Ryori), and wellness practices.

Leadership: Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide staff while maintaining a collaborative and positive work environment.

Operational Management: Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple aspects of the ryokan’s operations efficiently.

Customer Service: A passion for delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable, personalised guest experiences.

Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, analyse financial data, and implement strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining high service standards.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with guests, staff, and stakeholders.

Relevant Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience in a senior hospitality management role, preferably within a culturally immersive or wellness-focused environment.

Previous experience in managing a Japanese-style ryokan, bathhouse, or similar wellness retreat is a requirement.

Experience working in high-end, boutique hospitality establishments where attention to detail, cultural authenticity, and personalized service are key.

Proven experience in team management, training, and staff development.

Experience in financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and reporting.