This luxury safari lodge is part of a well-established reserve, offering an immersive bush experience with a strong focus on exceptional service, conservation, and attention to detail. They are seeking a hands-on, dynamic leader who is passionate about guest experience, thrives in a multi-departmental role, and can confidently manage teams while maintaining high operational standards. The ideal candidate is people-focused, highly organised, and brings both strong administrative ability and a practical understanding of lodge operations.
Candidate Responsibilities:
- Acting Lodge Manager in the absence of the LM.
- Take full responsibility for the management of the following teams:
Front of House:
Inspire, stimulate and lead the FOH team
Maintain the Pan FOH system
Day Sheets / Rooming List / Arrival Report
Reception, Curio Shop and Switch Board
Banking, Invoices and Gratuities
Welcome & Good Bye
Site Inspections – Show Time
Guest Feedback – Centricity Feedback system
Housekeeping:
- Inspire, stimulate and lead the Housekeeping team
- Maintain the Housekeeping standards with in the Lodge
- Spot check of rooms & turndowns
- Staff Uniform Control
Lodge Maintenance:
- Inspire, stimulate and lead the Lodge Maintenance team
- Control and supervise the Lodge Maintenance teams
- Work closely with the Game Reserve Maintenance Manager
- Preventative maintenance service schedules
- Staff Accommodation
- Understanding of building, refrigeration, electricity, air conditioners, gardening, pool care, firefighting equipment & vehicles
- Pest Control
Health & Safety:
- Work closely with the Reserve Security Manager on the Health & Safety management of the Lodge
- Head up the Lodge Health & Safety committee
- Risk assessments for the Lodge
- Firefighting equipment / drill
- Provide a safe working environment for all staff
Finance & Budgeting:
- This includes compiling monthly reports, participate in the budget process and managing budget lines.
- Budget expenditure & control
- Monthly finance meeting
Human Resources:
- Staff development and training
- Staff management
- Staff welfare & staff morale
- Inspire, stimulate and lead the team and maintain discipline
- Manage leave cycles and training files
- Knowledge of food & beverage
- Hosting of guest
- Guest Delight and bush banqueting
- Ensure any negative guest feedback is addressed and solutions found
- Assist Head Ranger / Snr Ranger team with Vehicle Inspections
- Go on Safari to ensure that we deliver on our safari experience
Core Criteria:
- Minimum 5 years Management experience in a 5 star boutique operation or within a luxury lodge in a Big 5 reserve
- Hospitality management qualification
- Strong Operational and Financial experience
- Valid drivers license and own transport
- High Emotional Intelligence
- Hospitality and service training experience
- Room Division Experience
- Practical with some experience in maintenance
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Basic IT and computer skills
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
Package Offer:
- Live-in position with meals on duty
- Pension fund
- Staff Lodge nights
- Work cycle – 21 days, 7 days off
- Annual leave – 15 days
