Assistant Resident Manager - Luxury Lodge

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs seeks an accomplished General Manager for a luxury lodge in South Africa. You will lead lodge operations, front office and guest services, ensuring 5-star standards across all departments. You will drive strategic goals, mentor staff, and maintain strong relationships with guests, community, and partners to deliver exceptional experiences.

The role combines operational leadership with financial discipline, aiming to uphold premium service and brand integrity across the property.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a similar 5-star lodge management role.
• Proven expertise in Game Reserve Operations.
• Matric certificate; hospitality degree/diploma preferred.
• Proficiency with NEBULA and OPERA PMS.
• Strong FO and F&B management track record.
• Excellent communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Operational & Administrative Leadership.
• Plan, manage, and drive daily lodge operations effectively.
• Assist with daily operational demands in the absence of the Resident Lodge Manager.
• Drive the broader goals and quality plans of the group.
• Multi-task and perform under pressure to meet guest needs.
• Oversee Front Office administrative management as part of daily duties.
• Apply innovative thinking to elevate hospitality services.
• Lead, motivate, and train the lodge team to 5-star service.
• Maintain cost controls and protect margins.
• Build relationships with staff, guests, community and partners.

Skills

Operational leadership

Guest experience

Front office management

Staff training

Budget control

Communication

Industry knowledge

Education

Matric certificate

Hospitality degree/diploma (preferred)

Tools

NEBULA

OPERA PMS

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Operational & Administrative Leadership


• Lodge Operations: Plan, manage, and drive daily lodge operations effectively while adhering strictly to all company practices and standards.


• Management Support: Successfully manage the property in the absence of the Resident Lodge Manager and assist with daily operational demands.


• Strategic Alignment: Drive the broader goals and quality plans of the group as required by Head Office.


• Multi-tasking & Pressure: Multi-task and maintain high performance under pressure to consistently meet guest needs and handle difficult situations.


• Front of House & Guest Experience


• Guest-Centric Focus: Ensure exceptional guest experiences by maintaining a highly visible, welcoming, and presentable professional profile.


• Front Office Mastery: Oversee Front Office administrative management as an essential component of daily duties.


• Hospitality Innovation: Apply creative and innovative thinking to drive hospitality services to new, industry-leading levels.


• Team Management & Training


• Staff Leadership: Lead, motivate, and directly oversee the lodge team to maintain 5-star service standards.


• Training & Development: Teach, inspire, and share information with staff to foster continuous professional growth.


• Financial & Cost Control: Implement strict cost controls, manage administrative workflows, and utilize financial skills to protect margins.


• Relationship & Community Building


• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, guests, the local community, and industry partners (agents and neighboring lodges).


• Communication: Maintain clear, professional, and proactive interpersonal communication across all levels.

Job Requirements

• Experience & Qualifications


• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar 5-star lodge management position.


• Industry Knowledge: Proven expertise in Game Reserve Operations is strictly required.


• Education: Matric certificate is required; a formal hospitality degree or diploma is highly preferable.


• Technical Skills: Proficiency in NEBULA and OPERA systems (or similar PMS/POS software) alongside general computer literacy.


• Track Record: Proven skills and a solid track record in Front of House and F&B management.


• Core Competencies


• Communication: Excellent command of the English language; well-spoken and articulate.


• Cognitive Skills: Strong lateral thinking ability, high initiative, and meticulous attention to detail.


• Personal Attributes: Diligent, self-motivated, and consistently able to meet tight deadlines.