General Manager - Thabazimbi

HotelJobs; Thabazimbi; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking an experienced General Manager for a Luxury Game Lodge near Thabazimbi to oversee ongoing life-enriching guest and staff experiences in a fast-paced setting.

You will lead operations, maintain brand standards, and host inspections while guiding managers toward excellent service and profitability.

Qualifications

• Must have a Grade 12 qualification and a formal hospitality qualification.
• Minimum 3–5 years of management experience in operations of a similar size and complexity within a wildlife setting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all monthly property operations.
• Attend meetings with Leadership team as required.
• Maintain and ensure the goodwill of the brand at property level.
• Act as ambassador including hosting site inspections, communicating with the market and hosting journalists.
• Ensure developed and property standards are upheld and maintained.
• Ensure management personnel are up to standard with an effective management structure.
• Run monthly departmental meetings with accurate minutes and follow-ups.
• Conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with all managers and HODs.
• Assist in securing favourable procurement agreements for the property.
• Keep the property innovative in guest experiences and aligned with industry trends.
• Be readily available to address guest queries and complaints.

Skills

General Management

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Time Management

Problem Solving

Proactiveness

Customer Service

Strategic Thinking

Financial Acumen

Education

Grade 12

Hospitality Qualification

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Luxury Game Lodge based close to Thabazimbi is looking for an experienced General Manager to oversee the ongoing creation of life enriching experiences at the lodge both for guests and staff in a high paced environment.

Duties

General Management

• Oversee all monthly property operations.
• Attend meetings with Leadership team as required.
• Maintain and ensure the good will of the brand at property level.
• Act as key ambassador including hosting site Inspections, communicating with the market and hosting journalists.
• Ensure the developed and property standards are upheld and maintained.
• Ensure the management personnel of the property is up to the standard, ensuring a streamlined and effective management structure in line with hospitality trends.
• Ensure effective monthly departmental meetings take place, accurate minutes are taken and follow ups completed.
• Have monthly one on one meetings with all managers and HODs reporting directly.
• Assist in achieving the best procurement agreements for the property.
• Keep the property innovative in its guest experience and up to date with both competitor offerings and current trends in the hospitality industry.
• Be readily available to deal with all guest queries and complaints.

Development & Staff Management

• Earmark and develop individuals who show potential to grow into higher positions.
• Implement training and facilitate the use of appointed internal and external trainers.
• Assist in facilitating cross property training for employees.
• Provide effective leadership through professional management and encouragement of all subordinates.
• Take part in regular operations forums with the intention of aligning the management teams and ensuring optimized teamwork and collaboration.

Performance Management

• Drive and monitor the effective implementation and execution of Performance Management and Succession Planning processes.
• Drive and run the effective implementation of the Performance Management system.
• In liaison with senior management and HODs, define mandated company/property KPIs.
• In liaison with HODs, define personal KPIs for each staff member, according to the KPI requirements.
• Plan; organize and attend Performance Planning discussions and Performance Reviews, ensuring that the correct process is followed.
• Carry out regular, meaningful performance appraisals conducted in such a manner that effective, open, two-way communication is maintained.

Community

• Establish and support community partnerships ensuring that the property is consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• A formal hospitality qualification
• At least 3 - 5 years minimum management experience in operation of similar size and complexity within a wildlife setting.
• Sound knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Valid Code 08 driver's license and own reliable transport essential.
• Unrelenting attention to detail and high standards, excellent hygiene principles.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & problem-solving skills.
• Proactive; use initiative and creative flair when required.
• Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
• Must work accurately under pressure.
• People skills tolerance, patience, and care.
• Leadership skills with passion for development and skills transfer.
• Strong financial acumen and computer literacy.
• Experience with monthly financial reporting and budgeting critical.
• Energetic; proactive person who understands the Guest Experience and is able to continue developing this to an exceptional standard to ensure ongoing guest satisfaction.
• Aware; disciplined, consistent, compassionate, respectable, good communication.
• Passionate about sustainable tourism and conservation.