Assistant Lodge Manager - 5-Star Luxury Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape | Lb

Hoteljobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 221,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided at reserve

Meals not included

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Assistant Lodge Manager for a 5-star luxury private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Based at a flagship lodge, you will support the Lodge Manager, lead the team with professionalism and uphold world-class guest experiences.

Requirements include a Hotel Management qualification, 3–5 years in a 5-star setting, strong leadership, and a valid SA driver’s license. EE policy applies in selection.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management is essential.
• 3–5 years in a 5-star establishment in a related role is essential.
• Proven experience in lodge or hotel management operations.
• Good working knowledge of POS and PMS systems.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Stable work history with contactable references.

Responsibilities

• Guest Experience: measure and enhance guest satisfaction, manage special requests, monitor feedback on platforms.
• Lodge Operations: oversee day-to-day service operations in absence of Lodge Manager, supervise all lodge operations.
• Team Development & Training: conduct targeted training, improve quality, develop policies and standards.
• Financial & Administrative Controls: manage cash variances, stock management, cost-saving opportunities, maintenance scheduling.

Education

Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management

Tools

POS systems

PMS systems

South African Driver's Licence

Job description

Assistant Lodge Manager - 5-Star Luxury Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape

Urgent Vacancy

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for an experienced and guest-focused Assistant Lodge Manager for a well-established 5-star luxury Big Five private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape - one of South Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. This role is based at one of the reserve's flagship lodges and reports directly to the Lodge Manager. The successful candidate will support the seamless delivery of a world-class guest experience, take ownership of lodge operations in the Lodge Manager's absence and lead the lodge team with confidence, professionalism and high standards.

Please note: In line with the reserve's Employment Equity policy and plan, EE principles will be applied in the selection process.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management - essential
• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in a 5-star establishment as an Assistant Lodge Manager, Duty Manager or Guest Relations Manager - essential
• Proven experience in lodge or hotel management operations
• Good working knowledge of POS and PMS systems
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• High level of attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Valid South African driver's licence - essential
• Stable work history with contactable references

Key Responsibilities:

Guest Experience

• Measure and enhance overall guest satisfaction including managing special requests
• Monitor guest feedback on platforms such as Guest Revu and TripAdvisor
• Uphold and continuously elevate service standards delivered by the lodge team

Lodge Operations

• Assist the Lodge Manager in overseeing day-to-day lodge team service operations
• Ensure effective supervision and management of all lodge operations in the Lodge Manager's absence
• Coordinate departmental teams to optimise guest service delivery
• Take full responsibility for the overall performance of lodge functions when acting as Lodge Manager

Team Development & Training

• Conduct targeted training sessions to enhance technical and soft skills of lodge team members
• Achieve quality improvement targets set by management
• Develop comprehensive policies, processes and standards governing lodge team activities

Financial & Administrative Controls

• Manage cash handling to minimise variances within acceptable limits
• Maintain effective stock management across relevant departments
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities where possible
• Maintain and ensure the upkeep of lodge equipment through preventative maintenance scheduling

Package:

• Total Package: R21,800 per month (inclusive of single accommodation)
• Live-in: Single accommodation provided on the reserve
• Please note: Meals are not included in the package
• Start date: As soon as possible