Hospitality Operations Manager - Safari Lodge

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 107,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Full board and lodging

Professional development

Medical aid contribution

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Hospitality Operations Manager for a luxury safari lodge near Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will oversee guest services across accommodation, dining, housekeeping and activities, lead a diverse team, and ensure exceptional standards in a remote, wildlife-driven setting.

You’ll manage budgets, drive efficiency, and partner with guides to deliver memorable game-drive experiences while maintaining safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in hospitality management (lodge/resort preferred).
• Experience leading diverse operations departments.
• Strong F&B, housekeeping and front office knowledge.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Able to manage budgets and control costs.
• Experience in remote or unique locations desirable.
• Passion for wildlife and eco-tourism.
• Proficient in hospitality management software.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day lodge operations ensuring guest service excellence.
• Manage accommodation, dining, housekeeping, and activities.
• Lead, train and mentor staff to deliver world-class hospitality.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental standards.
• Manage budgets, costs, and revenue opportunities.
• Coordinate with safari guides for game drives.
• Handle guest inquiries and feedback promptly.
• Maintain lodge infrastructure and coordinate maintenance.
• Refine procedures to boost efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Skills

Hospitality management

Team leadership

Budget management

Guest relations

Operational efficiency

F&B operations

Front office operations

Wildlife/ecotourism

Hospitality software

Flexible schedule

Tools

Hospitality management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an exclusive and renowned safari lodge located near Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Hospitality Operations Manager. This role is essential for ensuring the seamless delivery of exceptional guest experiences across all facets of the lodge, including accommodation, dining, game drives, and guest activities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for wildlife tourism, strong operational management skills, and a proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a remote and often demanding environment. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of service, managing budgets, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests. This position offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a breathtaking natural setting, contributing to the lodge's reputation for luxury and adventure in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the safari lodge, ensuring excellence in guest service.
• Manage accommodation, food and beverage, housekeeping, and guest activities departments.
• Lead, train, and mentor lodge staff to deliver world-class hospitality.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Coordinate with the safari guide team to ensure exceptional game drive experiences.
• Handle guest inquiries, feedback, and resolve any issues promptly and professionally.
• Maintain lodge infrastructure and coordinate with maintenance teams.
• Implement and refine operational procedures to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in hospitality management, preferably in a lodge or resort environment.
• Experience managing diverse operational departments.
• Strong understanding of F&B, housekeeping, and front office operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and control operational costs effectively.
• Experience working in remote or unique locations is highly desirable.
• Passion for wildlife and eco-tourism.
• Proficiency in hospitality management software.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Accommodation provided at the lodge.
• Full board and lodging.
• Unique opportunity to work in a stunning safari environment.
• Professional development opportunities within the luxury tourism sector.
• Contribution towards medical aid.