Reservations Manager

Reservations Manager

Protea Hotels, being A Step Ahead starts with our people. We take pride in anticipating what guests need and creating experiences that feel personal, genuine and welcoming. Here, you are encouraged to bring your own personality, ideas and energy to everything you do, while working alongside people who value collaboration, authenticity and a job well done. We believe in giving our people the confidence and opportunities to grow, explore new possibilities and take their careers further.

As part of the Marriott International family, Protea Hotels offers more than a job. It is an opportunity to be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.

Position Summary

The Reservations Manager is responsible for leading the Reservations Department, overseeing room inventory management, revenue optimization, forecasting, and team performance. This role works closely with Revenue Management, Sales, and Marketing teams to maximize occupancy and profitability while maintaining exceptional service standards and creating an environment where associates can perform at their best.

What you'll do

• Lead and manage the Reservations Department, including budgeting, forecasting, labour management, performance management, and associate development.

• Oversee room inventory and availability to maximize occupancy, revenue opportunities, and operational efficiency.

• Monitor and manage reservation systems including Opera, MARSHA, and the Learning Management System (LMS).

• Develop, implement, and analyse departmental performance metrics to support strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate with Revenue Management, Sales, Marketing, and Group Departments to optimise hotel revenue and sales performance.

• Verify that room blocks, rates, and cut-off dates are managed accurately to maximise revenue opportunities.

• Prepare departmental budgets, forecasts, financial reports, and recommendations for capital expenditure and operational improvements.

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop associates while conducting performance evaluations and succession planning initiatives.

• What you'll bring

• Matric with a minimum of 3 years' experience in Guest Services, Management Operations, Reservations, Front Office, or a related area; OR a 4-year degree in Business Administration, Hotel & Restaurant Management, or a related field with a minimum of 4 years' related experience.

• Proven leadership experience within Reservations, Front Office, Revenue Management, or hotel operations.

• Strong knowledge of reservations systems including Opera and MARSHA.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, and revenue optimisation.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven decision-making approach.

• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

• Strong business acumen, sales awareness, and customer relationship management capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and hotel management systems.

• Our Benefits

• At Marriott, we put people first — it’s one of our distinctive core values.

• Through Explore by Marriott Bonvoy™, our associates have access to special room rates, discounts on food and beverage, experiences, and more across Marriott’s portfolio of 30+ hotel brands and 9,500+ properties worldwide.

• Associates receive paid leave to use for vacations, sick time, holidays and more.

• Through our global TakeCare platform, associates have access to locally driven wellbeing activities and resources designed to meet people where they are.

• Depending on the property and role, additional local benefits may also be available.

• Our award-winning culture

• Marriott International is consistently recognized as an employer of choice globally by FORTUNE magazine, DiversityInc and Great Places to Work Institute, among others.

• Visit life.marriott.com to learn more about our workplace culture and career opportunities.

• LEGAL DISCLAIMER

• At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

• Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and one of the most widely recognized hospitality brands on the continent, with over 60 hotels across South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda. If you have a passion for delivering every guest a personalized service experience and desire to be part of the ‘Coolest Hotel Brand in South Africa’, join the Protea Hotels by Marriott® team today! In joining Protea Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​team, and become the best version of you.