Head Of Hospitality

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

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation

Job summary

Thaba Entle Private Boutique Game Farm & Reserve seeks a Head of Hospitality to oversee all hospitality operations across a luxury boutique property in a hands-on leadership role. The role requires managing guest experiences, staff, and costs to maintain high service standards.

The Head of Hospitality will coordinate with the Restaurant Manager and supervise housekeeping, accommodation and guest services to ensure seamless, profitable operations while preserving the property's boutique character

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head of Hospitality or senior management role in luxury properties.
• Experience in luxury game lodges, boutique hotels or private game farms preferred.
• Ability to oversee full hospitality operations across all departments.
• Experience managing department managers including restaurant and housekeeping.
• Strong guest relations, accommodation standards and cost management.
• Leadership, budgeting and staff development skills.
• Hands-on management by example and professional presentation.
• Valid driver's licence advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the property and hospitality functions.
• Coordinate accommodation, housekeeping, restaurant and guest services.
• Manage guest experience and resolve issues promptly.
• Oversee restaurant operations in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager.
• Lead staff across all departments and optimize staffing.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hospitality regulations.
• Align operations with the private game farm and reserve setting.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Guest relations

Operational management

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Head of Hospitality Private Boutique Game Lodge & Reserve is seeking an experienced and capable Head of Hospitality to oversee the entire hospitality operation. Exclusive boutique property in Thambazimbi The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management including coordination and performance of the property's hospitality operations Managing exceptional guest experiences combined with high service standards and efficient day-to-day running of the establishment. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a well-rounded hospitality professional with min 5years experience in a luxury game lodge or boutique hotel. The candidate must be capable of overseeing all hospitality functions, managing staff and ensuring that the property operates efficiently and profitably. The Head of Hospitality will oversee the Restaurant Manager and all other hospitality-related departments, ensuring that all operations work together seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities

1. Overall Operational Management Take full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the property and its hospitality functions. Oversee all departments, ensuring that operational standards, procedures and service expectations are consistently maintained. Coordinate the accommodation, housekeeping, restaurant and guest service functions. In Control of all areas of the property so they are well presented, clean, maintained and ready to receive guests. Develop and implement effective operational procedures to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction. Monitor operational performance, identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate solutions. Liaise with ownership regarding operational matters, performance and business requirements.
2. Guest Experience & Relations Ensure guests receive personalised, professional and exceptional service throughout their stay. Oversee guest arrivals, departures, special requests and overall guest satisfaction. Handle guest complaints and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Maintain high standards of hospitality consistent with the property's boutique character. Control that guest feedback is monitored and used to improve service delivery.
3. Restaurant Oversight Oversee the overall performance of the restaurant through the Restaurant Manager. Manage restaurant operations, food service and guest experiences meet the property's required standards. Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to monitor service quality, staffing, stock control and operational costs. Effective coordination between the restaurant, kitchen, accommodation and guest service teams. Monitor food and beverage performance and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
4. Accommodation & Housekeeping Oversee housekeeping operations and ensure that all 14 accommodation units are maintained to the required standard. Ensure rooms are correctly prepared, clean, comfortable and ready for guest arrivals. Monitor linen, amenities, housekeeping supplies and related costs. Ensure that public areas and guest facilities are consistently maintained. Coordinate maintenance requirements and follow up on outstanding issues.
5. Staff Management & Leadership Manage; supervise and motivate the hospitality team across all relevant departments. Oversee departmental managers and supervisors, including the Restaurant Manager. Ensure appropriate staffing levels, duty schedules and effective allocation of responsibilities. Recruit; train and develop staff in accordance with operational requirements. Monitor staff performance, discipline and adherence to service standards. Foster a professional, accountable and service-driven working environment.
6. Financial Management & Cost Control Monitor operational expenditure and ensure effective cost management. Assist with budgeting, financial planning and operational reporting. Oversee stock control and purchasing procedures across relevant departments. Monitor wastage, resource utilisation and departmental efficiency. Work towards achieving operational and financial objectives set by ownership.
7. Maintenance, Safety & Compliance Ensure that the property, accommodation units, restaurant and guest facilities are maintained in good working order. Coordinate with maintenance personnel and external service providers as required. Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, hygiene and hospitality regulations. Maintain appropriate operational standards and procedures throughout the property.
8. Game Farm & Reserve Environment Ensure the hospitality operation complements the property's private game farm and reserve setting. Coordinate with the Field Guide and relevant team members to facilitate a seamless guest experience. Ensure effective communication between hospitality and guiding operations regarding guest schedules, activities and special requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in a Head of Hospitality as well as Lodge Manager, General Manager or senior hospitality management position.
• Previous experience in a luxury game lodge, boutique hotel, private game farm or similar establishment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee the full hospitality operation of a property.
• Experience managing departmental managers or supervisors, including restaurant and housekeeping operations.
• Strong knowledge of guest relations, accommodation standards, restaurant operations and staff management.
• Sound understanding of budgeting, stock control, purchasing and cost management.
• Excellent leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A hands‑on management approach with the ability to lead by example.
• Professional presentation and a passion for delivering excellent hospitality.
• A valid driver's licence is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be a confident, organised and proactive hospitality professional who can take ownership of the entire operation. They must be comfortable managing a smaller boutique property, where attention to detail, personal involvement, flexibility and effective staff coordination are essential. The candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to maintain high standards across all departments while ensuring that guests receive a memorable and personalised experience.

Overall Objective

To take full responsibility for the efficient and successful operation of Thaba Entle Private Boutique Game Farm & Reserve, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction, effective staff management, consistent hospitality standards and sound operational cost control across the entire property.

Salary highly negotiable including accommodation