Duty Manager

Bushwise; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality lodge in South Africa is seeking a Duty Manager / FOH Manager to oversee daily operations and enhance guest experiences. The role demands a professional, guest-oriented individual with at least 2–3 years in hospitality management. Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining communication between guests and staff. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and organizational skills while adapting well to a dynamic lodge environment. Flexibility in working hours is essential as well.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in lodge/hospitality management or FOH supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a warm, guest-focused approach.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as Manager on Duty when General Manager is unavailable.
• Oversee daily lodge operations ensuring all departments are coordinated.
• Supervise FOH staff ensuring service standards are upheld.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Tools

MS Office

Lodge management/reservation systems

Job description

The Duty Manager / FOH Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth daily operations of the lodge, with a strong focus on guest experience, front-of-house service, and team coordination. This role requires a hands-on, professional, and guest-oriented individual who is passionate about hospitality, attentive to detail, and able to manage staff and operations effectively in a small lodge environment.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Front of House Management

• Warmly welcome guests on arrival and ensure seamless check-in and check-out procedures.
  
• Maintain a professional presence in guest areas, ensuring all guests feel valued and attended to.
  
• Handle guest queries, requests, and complaints promptly and professionally.
  
• Oversee dining service, ensuring high standards of presentation and guest satisfaction.
  
• Ensure smooth communication between guests, lodge staff, and management.
  

Daily Operations & Duty Management

• Act as the Manager on Duty when the General Manager are unavailable.
  
• Oversee daily lodge operations, ensuring all departments (housekeeping, kitchen, guides, spa, maintenance) are coordinated and efficient.
  
• Ensure daily briefing and debriefing of staff for smooth shift transitions.
  
• Monitor lodge facilities to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and safety.
  
• Assist in stock control, ordering, and receiving of supplies (beverages, amenities, consumables).
  

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise FOH staff ensuring service standards are upheld.
  
• Support staff training and development to maintain a high-performance team.
  
• Assist with staff scheduling, shift management, and basic HR administration.
  
• Encourage a positive, professional, and guest-focused culture within the team.
  

Administration & Reporting

• Assist with reservations, guest billing, and lodge administration as required.
  
• Maintain accurate records (guest feedback, maintenance issues, incident reports).
  
• Provide updates and feedback to senior management on operations and staff performance.
  

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in lodge/hospitality management or FOH supervision.
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a warm, guest-focused approach.
  
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
  
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  
• Computer literacy (MS Office, lodge management/reservation systems).
  
• Ability to work under pressure and handle challenges calmly.
  
• Flexibility to work long hours, weekends, and public holidays as per lodge needs.
  

Preferred / Advantageous

• Experience in a safari lodge or remote hospitality environment.
  
• Basic financial administration (billing, cash-up, stock control).
  
• Knowledge of food & beverage service standards.
  
• Driver’s license.
  

Personal Attributes

• Professional, presentable, and confident.
  
• Proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail.
  
• Friendly, approachable, and committed to exceptional guest service.
  
• Strong work ethic with a hands-on approach.
  
• Ability to adapt to a small team and remote working environment.