General Manager - Thabazimbi

HotelJobs; Thabazimbi; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Luxury Safari Lodge in Limpopo, near Thabazimbi, seeks a seasoned General Manager to lead operations with a hands-on, strategic approach. The role focuses on delivering exceptional safari experiences, driving long-term sustainability, and achieving commercial success through strong people leadership.

The candidate will oversee all lodge functions, align with corporate strategy, and maintain standards across guest services, safety and conservation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Tourism Management or related field.
• 10–15 years hospitality experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing luxury safari lodges or remote hospitality environments.
• Strong knowledge of Southern African luxury tourism and safari market.
• Demonstrated financial and commercial management capability.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in remote environments.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and people development skills.
• Guest-focused approach and passion for extraordinary experiences.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Develop and implement annual business plans aligned with Group strategy and financial objectives. Lead lodge operations including accommodation, food & beverage, guiding, guest activities and maintenance.
• Guest Experience & Service Standards: Oversee the guest journey from reservation through departure; maintain a visible operational presence and engage with guests.
• Financial Management & Commercial Performance: Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts and performance reports; drive profitability through cost control and revenue optimization.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, onboard, develop and retain talent; conduct departmental reviews and performance discussions.
• Sales, Marketing & Revenue Generation: Collaborate with central teams to maximize occupancy and yield; support trade relationships and hosted visits.
• Compliance, Safety & Sustainability: Ensure labor, health & safety compliance; maintain risk management and sustainable practices.
• Conservation & Community Engagement: Build relationships with conservation authorities and local communities; promote social impact partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Guest relations

People management

Commercial acumen

Education

Diploma/degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or Tourism Management

Job description

Luxury Safari Lodge based close to Thabazimbi is looking for a seasoned & commercially astute General Manager to lead its operations. The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership, exceptional guest hospitality and strong people management with a passion for conservation. Reporting to the Collection Custodian and CEO; this role requires a visible; hands-on leader who can deliver outstanding safari experiences while ensuring the lodge’s long-term sustainability and commercial success.

Duties

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Develop and implement annual business plans aligned with Group strategy and financial objectives. Lead all lodge operations, including accommodation, food and beverage, guiding, guest activities and maintenance. Align departmental goals with guest experience standards, sustainability initiatives and commercial priorities. Act as the link between Support Office and lodge operations. Maintain the lodge’s reputation through guest hosting, industry engagement and stakeholder relationships.
• Guest Experience & Service Standards: Oversee the guest journey from reservation through departure. Maintain a visible operational presence, personally engaging with guests and creating memorable experiences. Monitor guest feedback and manage significant service recovery matters. Ensure experiences reflect the property’s wildlife, wilderness, conservation and cultural offerings. Benchmark service against international luxury safari standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Financial Management & Commercial Performance: Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts and operational performance reports. Drive profitability through cost control, revenue optimisation and effective resource allocation. Oversee procurement, stock controls and capital expenditure in line with company policies. Monitor occupancy, average daily rate, revenue per available room, concession expenditure and guest satisfaction indicators.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit; onboard, develop and retain talent across all departments. Conduct departmental reviews, leadership meetings and individual performance discussions. Drive performance management, succession planning and staff development. Build management capability and create opportunities for internal growth. Support employee engagement and wellbeing while maintaining a positive, accountable service culture.
• Sales; Marketing & Revenue Generation: Partner with central sales and marketing teams to maximise occupancy and yield. Support trade relationships, media visits and hosted site inspections. Identify opportunities to strengthen the lodge’s position within the luxury safari market. Collaborate on packages, partnerships and experiences that increase revenue and guest value.
• Compliance; Safety & Sustainability: Ensure compliance with labour legislation, health and safety requirements, concession obligations and environmental regulations. Oversee maintenance and asset management programmes. Ensure operating procedures and service standards are consistently implemented and audited. Promote responsible tourism, environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. Maintain risk management plans covering wildlife, guest safety, environmental factors and operational continuity.
• Conservation & Community Engagement: Build relationships with conservation authorities, concession partners, neighbouring communities and other stakeholders. Support conservation initiatives that contribute to the reserve’s long-term sustainability. Represent the lodge within the tourism, hospitality and conservation sectors. Identify opportunities for community involvement, local economic development and social impact partnerships.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Tourism Management or a related field.
• A minimum of 10–15 years’ hospitality experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing luxury safari lodges, remote hospitality operations or equivalent luxury hospitality environments.
• Strong understanding of the Southern African luxury tourism and safari market.
• Demonstrated financial and commercial management capability.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in remote environments.
• Strong knowledge of lodge systems, revenue management, compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and people development skills.
• A guest-focused approach and passion for creating extraordinary experiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
• A calm, resilient and solution-oriented approach under pressure.