Holiday Homes Operations Manager

Holiday Homes Operations Manager – Dubai, UAE

Location: Dubai, UAE
Travel: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates as required
Salary: AED 10,000 per month + performance-based bonuses
Reports to: Company Owners

About the Company

We are a growing short-term rental company managing holiday homes across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. We are looking for a hands-on Holiday Homes Operations Manager to take full ownership of the company's day-to-day operations, compliance, team management, property performance and portfolio growth.

This is an end-to-end operational role for an experienced professional who can work independently, build processes, manage teams and suppliers, and take accountability for business results on the ground.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulation & Licensing

• Ensure full compliance with Dubai's holiday home regulations (DET / DTCM) and the applicable regulations in other emirates, including Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
• Obtain and renew the Holiday Home Operator licence and ensure each unit is properly registered and approved as a holiday home.
• Manage guest registration and ensure Tourism Dirham fees are collected and remitted on time.
• Manage permits, NOCs from owners and building management, insurance and related documentation.
• Ensure AML compliance, guest ID verification and proper record keeping.

2. Operations & Revenue Management

• Take full responsibility for Hostaway, including channel management, dynamic pricing, automated guest communication, cleaning schedules and operational workflows.
• Manage listings across Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Agoda and other relevant channels.
• Optimise property descriptions, photography, pricing and listing performance to maximise visibility and bookings.
• Develop and implement pricing and occupancy strategies.
• Monitor key performance indicators including RevPAR, ADR and occupancy.
• Manage guest reviews and maintain consistently high ratings across all platforms.
• Handle escalations including guest complaints, property damage, cancellations and urgent operational requests.
• Ensure a consistently high standard of guest experience and property readiness.

3. Recruitment & Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, train and manage housekeepers, cleaners, drivers and maintenance staff.
• Manage staff schedules, shifts and daily operational requirements.
• Implement cleaning quality-control procedures, including checklists and spot inspections.
• Handle visas, employment contracts and employment terms in accordance with UAE labour law and MOHRE requirements.
• Manage subcontractors, including cleaning, laundry and maintenance providers, and monitor their performance.
• Build and maintain an accountable, efficient and service-oriented field team.

4. Suppliers & Procurement

• Manage suppliers for linen, towels, toiletries, cleaning products, furniture, amenities and other operational consumables.
• Negotiate supplier pricing and terms.
• Manage inventory and minimise unnecessary operating costs.
• Oversee routine and urgent maintenance, including AC, plumbing, electrical, internet and smart-lock systems.
• Ensure suppliers consistently meet the company's quality and service standards.

5. Processes & SOPs

• Develop, document and implement SOPs for check-in and check-out, cleaning, maintenance, guest communication and damage handling.
• Establish clear KPIs for the operational team and individual properties.
• Implement systems and technology to improve operational efficiency, including smart locks, digital guest guides and cleaning/task management applications.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver monthly operational and performance reports to management.

6. Business Development & Portfolio Growth

• Grow the company's portfolio by onboarding new properties from owners, investors, real estate agents, brokers and developers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with property owners and business partners.
• Prepare management proposals, management agreements and return projections for prospective property owners.
• Support the onboarding and operational launch of new properties.
• Maintain ongoing communication with property owners and provide regular performance updates.
• Take responsibility for portfolio growth and property-level performance.

7. Finance & Reporting

• Manage the operational budget and monitor income and expenses by property.
• Track and control operating costs.
• Prepare monthly owner statements and coordinate owner payouts.
• Monitor revenue, occupancy and profitability across the portfolio.
• Work closely with the company's accountant on VAT, financial reporting and related matters.

Requirements

• Minimum 3* years of proven experience* in holiday homes, short-term rentals or hospitality operations in the UAE.
• Hands-on experience with Hostaway or a comparable PMS such as Guesty or Lodgify.
• Practical experience managing Airbnb and Booking.com extranets.
• Strong practical knowledge of UAE holiday home regulations and licensing processes, particularly DET/DTCM requirements.
• Working knowledge of UAE employment regulations and MOHRE processes.
• Proven experience recruiting, managing and leading a field team, ideally 5+ employees.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of short-term rental operations, revenue management and property performance.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Arabic, Hebrew or Russian is a strong advantage.
• Valid UAE driving licence.
• Willingness and availability to handle urgent operational matters outside regular working hours when required.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial, proactive and highly hands-on.
• Able to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong service orientation and attention to detail.
• Commercially minded, with a focus on revenue growth, cost control and operational efficiency.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing business environment.

Performance-Based Bonus

Performance bonuses will be linked to measurable business results, including:

• Average monthly occupancy.
• ADR / RevPAR performance versus target.
• Average platform rating, with a target of approximately 4.8+.
• Number of new properties successfully onboarded per quarter.
• Complaint and damage rates below defined thresholds.
• Portfolio revenue and overall operational performance.

What We Offer

• AED 10,000 per month + performance-based bonuses.
• Full ownership of the company's holiday homes operations.
• Direct access to and communication with company leadership.
• The opportunity to build and develop operational systems and teams from the ground up.
• A growing property portfolio in one of the world's leading short-term rental markets.
• A dynamic, entrepreneurial working environment with significant responsibility and opportunity for growth.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short note outlining the largest short-term rental or holiday homes portfolio you have managed, including the approximate number of units, location and your main responsibilities.

Only candidates with relevant UAE holiday homes, short-term rental or hospitality operations experience will be considered.

Pay: AED10,000.00 - AED12,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person