Head of Commercial - Camps & Lodges

Asilia Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Head of Commercial for its Camps & Lodges division. This pivotal role involves leading commercial strategies to drive revenue growth and enhance market presence. The ideal candidate will possess over a decade of experience in the safari or luxury travel sector, demonstrating a proven ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and lead high-performing teams. You will work closely with the Managing Director to shape the future of the business, ensuring that innovative and commercially viable products are developed. Join a company dedicated to conservation and community empowerment while enjoying the thrill of shaping exceptional travel experiences.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial roles within safari or luxury travel.
• Proven network for developing strategic partnerships.
• Strong analytical skills and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy for camps and lodges, driving revenue growth.
• Oversee pricing and yield management for optimal performance.
• Develop high-performing teams and foster innovative culture.

Skills

Commercial Strategy Development

Revenue Optimization

Market Analysis

Team Leadership

Partnership Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Hospitality Management

Tools

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

Job Title: Head of Commercial - Camps & Lodges

Reports to: Managing Director

ABOUT ASILIA

Asilia Africa is one of East Africa’s long-standing safari companies. Meaning ‘genuine’ or ‘authentic’ in Swahili, we’ve built a reputation for incredible safari experiences and our unwavering commitment to empowering both people and nature alike in the region. Founded in 2004, Asilia has a leading presence in the main safari destinations in Tanzania and Kenya as well as a driving role in several pioneering projects. Asilia’s goal is to turn crucial and fragile natural habitats into lasting conservation economies, benefitting both the environment and local communities. At present, the company owns and operates 18 lodges and camps as well as a ground handling operation. Asilia is the first sustainable safari/lodge company in Africa to receive a 5-star rating for sustainability from GIIRS, was recognized as one of the “Best Companies for the World” in 2013 and was awarded the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Business Award.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

We believe that world-class travel can go hand in hand with improving livelihoods and conservation of nature. Our luxury camps and lodges are in some of the most special places on earth. Places we want to safeguard for the future. We strive to transform whole areas, from crucial fragile natural habitats with often impoverished communities into lasting conservation economies; effectively protecting wildlife whilst providing opportunities for local people to prosper. Whichever department you work in, your efforts will be crucial in achieving our conservation goal.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Head of Commercial – Camps & Lodges will lead the commercial performance of Asilia Africa’s core business unit. This senior role is accountable for driving revenue growth, and delivering innovative, high-impact commercial strategies. The Head of Commercial will work closely with the Managing Director, focusing on market leadership and the overall commercial success of Asilia’s camps and lodges portfolio. The ideal candidate brings deep industry expertise, a strong network, and the commercial acumen to shape and execute growth strategies in a competitive environment.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES WILL INCLUDE

• Develop and lead the commercial strategy for Asilia’s Camps & Lodges business, driving revenue growth, margin improvement, and market leadership through clear planning, market insight, and strong commercial execution.
• Oversee pricing, yield management, distribution, and camps & lodges product development, ensuring performance is optimized across all seasons, channels, and customer segments.
• Lead and grow the Commercial teams, fostering a high-performance culture to deliver innovative, commercially compelling products and campaigns.
• Support the development of commercial partnerships that enhance reach, create new opportunities, and contribute to overall business performance.
• Track and analyse performance against key metrics (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy), adjusting strategies as needed to meet financial targets.
• Use market intelligence and data insights to identify new revenue opportunities and refine the commercial approach.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, entrepreneurial team culture, fostering innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to contribute to strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

THE PERSON PROFILE

The successful candidate will be required to have the following key skills and experience:

• 10+ years in commercial roles within the safari, luxury travel, or hospitality sector, with experience in East Africa preferred.
• Proven network and ability to develop and grow strategic partnerships that drive revenue and expand market reach.
• 5+ years in a senior management role and proven track record of developing and growing people.
• Experience in direct or similar product development, with the ability to create and evolve offerings that align with customer needs and drive direct sales growth.
• Bachelor's degree in commercial, hospitality management, business administration, or a related field.
• Expertise in pricing strategy, revenue optimization, and distribution channel management.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage partnerships that support broader commercial objectives.
• Inspirational leadership style, with a hands-on, collaborative approach to building and leading teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and communication abilities across internal and external stakeholders.