Assistant Lodge Manager

Kendrick Recruitment; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 221,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Assistant Lodge Manager for a luxury private game reserve near Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The role involves supporting daily operations, overseeing guest services, and leading the lodge team to deliver personalized experiences.

The position requires strong leadership, guest relations, and hands-on involvement across housekeeping, F&B, hosting and lodge presentation. Live-in accommodation is provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory hospitality role (Assistant Lodge Manager, Lodge Manager, Senior Host or similar).
• Experience in luxury lodge, safari property, game reserve or high-end hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent guest relations and communication abilities.
• Professional, warm and approachable personality.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the overall management and smooth daily operation of the lodge.
• Support the Lodge Manager in maintaining guest service and operational standards.
• Coordinate lodge departments to ensure seamless communication and service delivery.
• Lead, motivate and develop the lodge team.
• Handle guest requests, feedback and operational matters professionally.

Skills

Leadership

Guest relations

Communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Team management

Calm under pressure

Hands-on approach

Job description

Assistant lodge manager – luxury private game reserve

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Lodge Manager to join a prestigious luxury private game reserve situated near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and play an integral role in the day-to-day management of a luxury safari property.

The position

• Role: Assistant Lodge Manager
• Location: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
• Property: Luxury Private Game Reserve
• Salary: R21,800 per month, negotiable depending on experience
• Accommodation: Live-in
• Meals: Excluded
• The successful candidate will assist with the overall management and smooth daily operation of the lodge.
• The Assistant Lodge Manager will support the Lodge Manager in maintaining exceptional guest service and operational standards.
• The role will involve overseeing and coordinating various lodge departments to ensure seamless communication and service delivery.
• The successful candidate will assist with leading, motivating and developing the lodge team.
• The position will require a strong focus on guest relations, ensuring that guests receive a personalised and memorable experience.
• The Assistant Lodge Manager will assist with handling guest requests, feedback and any operational matters professionally.
• The role will involve supporting the management team with administration, stock control and general lodge operations.
• The successful candidate will assist in maintaining high standards across housekeeping, food and beverage, hosting and general lodge presentation.
• The position requires a hands‑on approach, with the successful candidate willing to assist wherever required.
• The Assistant Lodge Manager will help ensure that lodge policies, procedures, health and safety standards are consistently maintained.
• The successful candidate will act as a senior member of the lodge team and lead by example.

Candidate requirements

• Previous experience in an Assistant Lodge Manager, Lodge Manager, Senior Host or similar supervisory hospitality role.
• Previous experience within a luxury lodge, safari property, game reserve or high-end hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent guest relations and communication abilities.
• A professional, warm and approachable personality.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• A hands‑on approach and willingness to assist across all areas of lodge operations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with guests and colleagues.
• Previous experience in a remote or safari environment would be advantageous.
• A genuine passion for luxury hospitality, wildlife and the South African bush would be highly beneficial.