Camp Manager

Phoenix Recruitment Limited; Bela-Bela; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Camp Manager to lead all aspects of a luxury safari camp in Bela-Bela. The role requires overseeing guest arrivals, meal service, activities and private experiences while maintaining exceptional standards.

You will manage the camp team, coordinate housekeeping and maintenance, and ensure accurate financial records and stock control. Strong leadership and a passion for hospitality are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' proven experience in a Camp Manager, Lodge Manager or similar senior hospitality management role.
• Experience in luxury safari lodges or high-end hospitality environments is essential.
• Strong leadership, people-management and guest relations skills.
• Ability to manage guest journeys, meals, activities and private experiences with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of day-to-day camp operations.
• Lead, motivate and manage the camp team with regular briefings.
• Oversee housekeeping, maintenance, F&B and inventory to luxury standards.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and proactively address concerns.
• Ensure safety, hygiene and security standards are maintained.
• Drive revenue opportunities and manage curio/retail elements.

Skills

Leadership

Guest relations

Staff management

Operational excellence

Budget awareness

English proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Duties

Guest Experience:

• Ensure every guest receives a warm, personalised and memorable experience.
• Personally oversee guest arrivals, departures, mealtimes and special occasions.
• Maintain exceptional standards of service throughout the guest journey.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and proactively address concerns.
• Ensure all guest preferences, dietary requirements and special requests are communicated and actioned.
• Build strong relationships with guests while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
• Drive up selling opportunities across beverages, activities, private experiences and curio/retail.
• Ensure the camp consistently delivers a genuine luxury safari experience.

Staff Management:

• Lead, motivate and manage the camp team.
• Conduct daily staff briefings and ensure clear communication across all departments.
• Monitor staff performance, presentation, conduct and service delivery.
• Ensure staff adhere to company policies, SOPs and service standards.
• Identify training requirements and assist with ongoing staff development.
• Address performance issues promptly and professionally.
• Create a positive, respectful and accountable working environment.
• Lead by example and maintain a visible presence within the operation.

Housekeeping & Camp Standards:

• Conduct daily inspections of guest tents, public areas and back-of-house areas.
• Ensure guest tents, bathrooms, public areas and surrounding camp areas are maintained to the required luxury standard.
• Monitor linen, amenities and housekeeping stock levels.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are consistently maintained.
• Ensure all maintenance issues are identified and followed up.
• Work closely with maintenance and management to ensure preventative maintenance is carried out.
• Ensure the camp is consistently presented at an exceptional standard.

Food & Beverage:

• Oversee meal service and ensure all meals are presented and served according to luxury standards.
• Work closely with the kitchen and service teams to ensure smooth meal operations.
• Monitor beverage service, stock levels and beverage sales.
• Ensure correct stock control and minimise wastage.
• Assist in developing opportunities to increase beverage and F&B revenue.
• Ensure dietary requirements and guest preferences are correctly communicated to the kitchen.
• Ensure meal experiences, bush dining and special dining occasions are executed to a luxury standard.

Administration & Financial Controls:

• Ensure all daily operational administration is completed accurately.
• Monitor stock, purchasing and supplier requirements.
• Conduct regular stock takes and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor revenue opportunities and assist in achieving property targets.
• Ensure all guest charges, beverage sales, activities and additional services are correctly recorded and billed.
• Submit accurate daily, weekly and monthly reports as required.
• Maintain appropriate cash-handling and financial-control procedures.
• Monitor operational costs and minimise unnecessary wastage.

Overall Camp Operations:

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the Camp.
• Ensure all departments operate efficiently and according to company standards.
• Liaise with Head Office and senior management regarding operational requirements.
• Ensure company policies, procedures and SOPs are implemented and followed.
• Be proactive in identifying operational challenges and implementing solutions.
• Ensure health, safety, hygiene and security standards are maintained.
• Maintain a strong focus on conservation and responsible safari operations.
• Act as a professional ambassador for the camp and the company.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' proven experience in a Camp Manager, Lodge Manager, Assistant General Manager or similar senior hospitality management position.
• Previous experience in a luxury safari lodge, tented camp, private villa, 5* lodge or high-end hospitality environment is essential.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and hold staff accountable.
• Excellent guest relations and communication skills.
• A natural ability to host and engage with guests while maintaining professional boundaries and exceptional service standards.
• Experience managing the complete guest journey, from arrival and check-in through to departure.
• Ability to oversee and actively participate in guest hosting, including meals, drinks, activities and special occasions.
• Strong understanding of luxury service standards and the ability to monitor and continuously improve the guest experience.
• Ability to identify guest needs and anticipate requirements before they are communicated.
• Experience in planning and coordinating guest activities, transfers, special requests and private experiences.
• Ability to manage and oversee Housekeeping, including daily room inspections and ensuring tents/rooms are maintained to luxury standards.
• Oversight of maintenance, ensuring that defects are identified, reported, followed up and resolved timeously.
• Strong stock management experience, including ordering, receiving, issuing, stock control and regular stock takes.
• Experience managing beverage stock and beverage sales, including ensuring accurate billing and minimising wastage.
• Experience with curio/retail sales and the ability to actively drive additional revenue.
• Understanding of basic financial controls, budgets, cost control, cash handling and daily operational administration.
• Ability to monitor departmental expenditure and identify opportunities to improve profitability without compromising guest experience.
• Strong administrative and reporting skills, including the ability to compile and submit operational reports.
• Ability to conduct regular staff briefings and ensure that all operational information is communicated effectively.
• Ability to manage staff performance, address conflict and resolve staff-related issues professionally.
• Strong problem-solving ability, with the confidence to make decisions and take ownership of issues.
• Ability to deal calmly and professionally with guest complaints and operational challenges.
• A strong "can-do" attitude with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility without requiring constant supervision.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in English; additional languages will be considered an advantage.
• Computer literate with experience in Microsoft Office and hospitality-related systems.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Ability to drive confidently in a safari/lodge environment.
• Mature, responsible and professional in character.
• Well presented, well spoken and confident when dealing with high-end guests.
• Passionate about hospitality, conservation and the safari industry.
• Energetic, enthusiastic and willing to be hands-on when required.
• Must be flexible and willing to assist across all operational areas when necessary.
• Contactable references from at least three previous managers/employers will be required.