What We're Looking For
• At least 5 years of experience running operations in tourism, outdoor activities, hospitality, or events
• A leadership track record - someone who can manage a team clearly, fairly, and with credibility
• Strong logistics instincts - you think ahead, build contingencies, and hate being caught off guard
• Calm and decisive under pressure - when a guide is not present 30 minutes before departure, you solve it, not stress about it
• A practical communicator - direct with staff, professional with guests, transparent with the directors
• A genuine interest cycling, outdoor and adventure tourism - you understand the product you're running
• Valid driver's licence and comfort with vehicle and equipment oversight
Cape Adventure Brands operates a portfolio of guided outdoor experiences across the Western Cape, including Bikes 'n Wines and iRide Africa- our flagship cycling brands based in the Cape Winelands. We run small-group and private guided tours that combine exceptional scenery, local expertise, and high-quality guest hospitality.
Our operation is built on the quality of our guides, the reliability of our logistics, and the consistency of our guest experience. We're a growing business with an established brand reputation and a team that cares about what they do.
The Role
We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of day-to-day operations across our adventure tour brands. This is a senior role in a small but busy company, and the right person will be the person who makes sure everything actually runs.
You'll lead the guide team, manage logistics, oversee equipment and fleet readiness, and be the operational decision-maker when things need to move quickly. You'll report directly to the founders and work closely with the Reservations Manager and Operations Team Lead to keep guest experiences seamless from booking to completion.
This is not a passive management role. You'll be actively involved in the operation - on the ground, solving problems, setting standards, and leading by example.
What You'll Be Responsible For
• Managing the daily, weekly and monthly tour schedules and ensuring every tour departs on time with the right guide, vehicle, and equipment
• Leading a team of approximately 10 guides - scheduling, briefing, performance management, and day-to-day support
• Overseeing bicycle maintenance and fleet management in coordination with our workshop team
• Handling real-time operational issues - from a last-minute guide absence to a mid-tour guest concern
• Maintaining safety standards across all operations and ensuring all team certifications are current
• Providing weekly operational updates to the founders and contributing to forward planning
• Working with the Reservations team to ensure bookings translate smoothly into operational delivery
Why This Role Is Worth Your Attention
Cape Adventure Brands is in an active growth phase. The business has strong brand equity, an established client base, and a committed team. What we need now is the operational leadership to deliver consistently and build the infrastructure that supports scale.
This is a role with real authority and real accountability. You'll have the trust of the founders, direct access to decision-making, and the opportunity to shape how the operation runs — not just maintain it.
You'll be based in Muizenberg with regular time in the field across the Winelands and broader Cape Town area. It's a varied, outdoor-oriented working environment for someone who thrives on structure and problem-solving in equal measure.
Location and Working Pattern
• Based in Muizenberg, Cape Town
• Monday to Friday, with weekend operational coverage as required
• Some flexibility for remote work on administrative days once bedded in
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter to the email address listed in this post.
In your cover letter, briefly describe why this position excites you , as well as an operation you've managed and what made it work. We're not interested in a repeat of your CV - tell us something specific.
Applications without a cover letter will not be processed.