Operations Executive – Gaming, Hospitality & Entertainment - JHB at Datafin Recruitment

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