Assistant Lodge Manager

Craven Cottage CC; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in position with meals on duty

Pension fund

Staff Lodge nights

Work cycle – 21 days – 7 days off

Annual leave – 15 days

Job summary

A premier lodge in Limpopo is seeking a dedicated Acting Lodge Manager to oversee daily operations in the absence of the Lodge Manager. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and financial management skills, paired with a hospitality management qualification and at least 5 years of management experience in a similar lodge environment. Responsibilities include leading teams across different departments, ensuring health and safety compliance, and addressing guest feedback to maintain high standards of service. This role offers a live-in position with a negotiable monthly package based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years Management experience in a 5-star boutique operation or similar lodge environment.
• Experience in maintenance.
• Room Division Experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as Acting Lodge Manager in absence of the Lodge Manager.
• Inspire and lead the FOH, housekeeping, and maintenance teams.
• Manage Lodge Health & Safety and staff welfare.
• Compile monthly finance reports and manage budgets.
• Coordinate budgeting, expenditure, and monthly finance meetings.
• Lead HR activities including staff welfare, leave cycles and training.
• Ensure food & beverage operations support a world-class guest experience.

Skills

Strong leadership & mentoring skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving skills

High Emotional Intelligence

Strong management skills

Competent financial and IT skills

Ability to work under pressure

Positive attitude

Planning & organizing

Education

Hospitality management qualification

Job description

Duties

Acting Lodge Manager in the absence of the Lodge Manager.

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 & Goodbye
• Site Inspections – Show Time
• Guest Feedback – Centricity Feedback system

Housekeeping

• Inspire, stimulate and lead the housekeeping team
• Maintain the Housekeeping standards within 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 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

Requirements

• Hospitality management qualification
• Minimum 5 years Management experience in a 5-star boutique operation or Big 5 reserve with in a similar lodge environment
• Strong Operational and Financial experience
• High Emotional Intelligence
• Hospitality and service training experience
• Room Division Experience
• Practical with some experience in maintenance
• Valid driver’s license and own transport
• Strong leadership & mentoring skills
• Strong management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (listening skills, verbal communication etc)
• Positive attitude, Self-motivated, Confident
• Sense of humour
• Sense of adventure
• Structured manager with experience of leading diverse teams
• Energetic, proactive person with well-developed concept of the importance of providing a world-class guest experience, and the ability to provide that experience
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Practical with some experience in maintenance
• Competent financial and IT skills
• High energy levels & drive to get things done
• Planning & organizing
• An appreciation of other cultures.
• Introduce new ideas that will enhance the department and its activities
• Computer Skills
• IT Skills

Package on offer

• Monthly package negotiable depending on experience and qualifications
• Live-in position with meals on duty
• Pension fund
• Staff Lodge nights
• Work cycle – 21 days – 7 days off
• Annual leave – 15 days