Skip to content

Director of Operations

General Information

Country/Region
New Zealand
Province/City
Hawke's Bay
Hiring Entity
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Department
Executive Office
Job Type
Full-time Permanent

Job Description

Role Overview – Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Provide leadership and direction across all operational departments at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Oversee the day-to-day running of the lodge, ensuring seamless operations and an exceptional guest experience. In the absence of the Managing Director, assume overall responsibility for the property.

This role leads key operational divisions including Food & Beverage - Service, Front Office, Housekeeping and Spa.

You will support leaders and associates to deliver results aligned with Rosewood’s vision, while continuously enhancing systems, service delivery, and the overall experience for both guests and associates.


What You Will Bring

  • A genuine passion for hospitality and service excellence
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a management role, ideally within a luxury lodge or 5-star resort environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Exceptional organisational skills with high attention to detail

Key Responsibilities

General Leadership

  • Champion a culture of exceptional guest experience through people, product, and service
  • Lead operational strategy, including capital improvements and ongoing enhancements
  • Foster meaningful and genuine connections with associates
  • Promote an inclusive leadership style that values diversity and collaboration
  • Continuously position the lodge as a leading luxury destination
  • Build strong relationships with guests, partners, and suppliers
  • Stay informed on industry trends and innovations
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and resource management
  • Maintain clear and effective communication across all departments
  • Provide hands-on support during peak operational periods

Associate & Guest Focus

  • Develop and inspire teams through coaching, feedback, and mentorship
  • Create a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture
  • Support talent attraction, retention, and mid-level leadership development
  • Champion Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging across the lodge and wider community
  • Maintain a visible presence across both front and heart of house
  • Drive consistent, personalised, and empathetic guest experiences

Recruitment

  • Partner with Talent & Culture on recruitment across all operational roles, including leadership positions
  • Represent Rosewood Cape Kidnappers at career events when required

Product Focus

  • Maintain the lodge’s luxury offering through innovation and attention to detail
  • Build strong relationships with repeat guests, travel partners, and VIPs
  • Ensure the property is maintained to the highest standard
  • Take a proactive, solution-focused approach to operational challenges
  • Enhance guest satisfaction through consistent standards and team engagement

Financial & Commercial Focus

  • Work closely with department leaders to drive revenue and manage costs
  • Support the Managing Director in stakeholder and ownership relations
  • Respond effectively to business fluctuations with sound financial decision-making

Standard Responsibilities

  • Uphold Rosewood policies, values, and brand standards at all times
  • Act as a proud brand ambassador
  • Take on additional responsibilities as required to support the operation

Health, Safety & Confidentiality

  • Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures
  • Report hazards, maintenance issues, and incidents promptly
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding company, guest, and associate information

About Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking Hawke’s Bay, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is one of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges. Surrounded by rolling farmland and breathtaking coastal views, the lodge offers a unique blend of refined elegance and authentic experiences.

Guests can enjoy world-class golf, nature encounters including the protected gannet colony, farm experiences, gourmet dining, and a tranquil spa setting — all within a truly spectacular landscape.


What We Offer

  • Full-time permanent position
  • Daily staff meals
  • Daily travel allowance
  • Access to our Associate Perks Programme, including exclusive discounts and partner offers
  • Rosewood’s global complimentary nights programme, offering associates the opportunity to experience our luxury properties worldwide
  • Incentive and reward schemes designed to recognise and celebrate performance
  • Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth within Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
  • The opportunity to be part of a passionate, high-performing team in a world-class luxury environment
  • The chance to work at one of New Zealand’s most iconic and celebrated luxury lodges
  • Housing assistance available to support relocation and living in this unique remote setting
  • Complimentary green fees (Golf), F&B and Spa discounts

About Us

Far out to the east of Hawke’s Bay wine country, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers sits atop rolling hills and rugged cliffs that give way to vast sea views and an ever-present horizon.

Home to not only a lodge and spa, this unique property also boasts one of the world’s top golf courses, a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most precious flora and fauna, and a working farm. Warm and enveloping, Cape Kidnappers generous suites offer sumptuous comfort and awe-inspiring views in equal parts.

Ranked as one of the top two hotels in New Zealand and Australia by Travel + Leisure, and within the top 20 hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, Cape Kidnappers delivers stunning exclusive guest experiences including the Can-Am Farm Tour, Kiwi Discovery Walk, Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony and much, much more.