General Manager

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a General Manager to oversee operations at multiple luxury lodges in the Eastern Cape. This leadership role involves ensuring exceptional guest experiences, financial performance, and operational excellence. Candidates should have significant management experience in the hospitality sector and strong financial acumen. Responsibilities include team leadership, budget management, and marketing initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary aligned with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or General Manager role at a 5-star lodge.
• Proven experience managing multiple properties or a lodge portfolio.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple lodges.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Lead and mentor lodge managers and senior department heads.
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences through personalized service.
• Drive occupancy and brand visibility with marketing efforts.

Skills

Exceptional leadership

Communication skills

Financial management

Team management

Strategic thinking

IT proficiency

Education

Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management

Postgraduate qualification in management or business

Job description

Job Overview

The General Manager oversees the overall operations, management, and strategic direction of a group of luxury lodges within the Eastern Cape. This role ensures exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and operational excellence across all properties. The General Manager provides leadership to lodge managers and department heads, ensuring consistency with company standards, sustainability principles, and brand identity.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of multiple lodges, ensuring smooth functioning of all departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Maintenance, and Guiding).
• Maintain and improve service standards in line with 5‑star grading criteria and brand expectations.
• Conduct regular site visits to each lodge to ensure compliance with operating procedures, safety, and guest satisfaction.
• Implement and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all lodges.
• Financial Management
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and monthly financial reports for each property.
• Analyze financial performance, monitor cost control, and drive revenue growth initiatives.
• Oversee procurement, supplier contracts, and inventory management to optimize costs.
• Human Resource Management
• Lead and mentor lodge managers and senior department heads.
• Ensure recruitment, training, and retention of high‑quality staff.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, respect, and professionalism across all properties.
• Oversee HR compliance, disciplinary matters, and performance appraisals.
• Guest Relations and Quality Control
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences through personalized service and attention to detail.
• Handle guest feedback, complaints, and service recovery efficiently.
• Regularly review guest satisfaction scores and implement improvement plans.
• Marketing and Sales
• Work closely with the Sales and Marketing team to drive occupancy, package promotions, and brand visibility.
• Develop relationships with tour operators, DMCs, and key industry stakeholders.
• Participate in marketing events, trade shows, and online promotional campaigns.
• Compliance and Sustainability
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Implement and monitor sustainable tourism and community engagement initiatives.
• Maintain all legal and licensing documentation for each lodge.
• Strategic Planning and Development
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and expansion.
• Participate in capital expenditure planning and refurbishment projects.

Contribute to the strategic vision and long‑term growth of the lodge group.

Position Information

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in management or business (advantageous).

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or General Manager role at a 5‑star lodge or boutique hotel.
• Proven experience managing multiple properties or a lodge portfolio.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and reporting.
• Solid understanding of luxury guest service standards and operational excellence.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business and financial management ability.
• Ability to manage teams and diverse cultural environments.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong IT proficiency (property management systems, MS Office, POS systems).
• Deep understanding of lodge operations, conservation principles, and safari tourism.