Operations Manager

About the Role

HyFy Pod Hotels is Australia's first tech-enabled smart pod hotel brand created for the new generation of travellers. HyFy offers a new standard of hospitality where technology meets community, redefining how people connect, rest, and experience urban stays. We're seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Operations Manager to lead the pre-opening phase and ensure our flagship Melbourne CBD property is fully operational and guest-ready ahead of its soft launch in early 2026. This role requires strong project management skills, a solutions-focused mindset, and the ability to coordinate across technology, compliance, staffing, and stakeholder communication. Beyond launch, the Operations Manager will also be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring guest satisfaction, and supporting the hotel's growth and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre-Opening Planning

● Finalise SOPs for front office, housekeeping, guest services, and maintenance.

● Ensure all operational checklists, timelines, and trackers are complete before opening.

● Support planning of soft opening activities and dry runs.

● Oversee OPEX/CapEx tracking, vendor coordination, and cost control for pre-opening deliverables.

1. Technology & Systems Integration

● Oversee setup of PMS (Mews), CRM, and channel manager.

● Coordinate integration with IoT pod systems, mobile check-in/out, and payment gateways.

● Test automation for guest communications (pre-arrival, in-stay, post-stay).

● Confirm seamless data flow across PMS, OTA, CRM, and accounting platforms.

1. Distribution & OTA Onboarding

● Ensure OTA listings , Expedia, Hostelworld, Airbnb) are live, accurate, and optimised.

● Verify room types, rates, content, and policies are correctly set.

● Troubleshoot channel manager sync issues and monitor parity.

● Implement rate management best practices to maximise revenue.

1. Licensing & Compliance

● Prepare council submissions and ensure milestones are met on time.

● Maintain compliance documentation and monitor regulatory progress.

1. Hotel Operations (Launch & Stabilisation)

● Lead day-to-day operations from soft opening onwards.

● Oversee check-in/out, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest satisfaction.

● Define and implement HyFy's brand guest experience standards.

● Monitor OTA performance, pricing, and guest reviews.

● Run daily operational meetings to resolve issues promptly

1. Team Recruitment & Training

● Lead recruitment of front office, housekeeping, and support staff.

● Deliver training programs aligned with SOPs.

● Run operational test scenarios and service simulations prior to opening.

1. Stakeholder Communication & Performance Tracking

● Act as primary liaison between leadership, consultants, vendors, and landlord.

● Provide weekly progress updates, highlight risks, and propose solutions.

● Anticipate issues and develop contingency plans to prevent launch delays.

● Track performance via dashboards covering KPIs (occupancy, OTA metrics, guest satisfaction, milestones).

Qualifications & Skills Essential

● 3–5 years' hospitality operations experience (hotel pre-opening strongly preferred).

● Proven track record with PMS/CRM systems and OTA/channel manager setup.

● Strong ability to manage deadlines under pressure.

● Tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable (Not Essential)

● Experience in smart hotels, pod hotels, or co-living environments.

● Knowledge of FF&E procurement, asset handover, or BMS systems.

● Familiarity with Mews, SiteMinder, or similar platforms.

What We Offer

● A rare opportunity to help launch one of Australia's most innovative hotel brands.

● Autonomy and responsibility to shape operations during a critical growth phase.

● A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.

● Initial contract aligned with the pre-opening and launch phase, with a clear pathway into a senior operations leadership role post-opening.