Hospitality General Manager

Bright Placements; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality management firm in Makhanda seeks an experienced Hospitality General Manager responsible for overseeing operations at both a hunting lodge and a 5-star game lodge. The role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Ideal candidates will have 5-10 years in lodge management, with a focus on luxury service standards and team development. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful remote setting.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, or Business Administration.
• Minimum 5–10 years of lodge or hotel management experience.
• Proven experience managing luxury game lodges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the hunting lodge and 5-star game lodge.
• Ensure a world-class guest experience consistent with 5-star standards.
• Prepare and manage budgets and financial reports.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Financial Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Education

Tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management

Tools

Property Management Systems

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Hospitality General Manager is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and profitability of both the hunting lodge and the 5-star game lodge operations. This includes overseeing all departments—front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, reservations, finance, and guest relations—to ensure the highest standards of service, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. The General Manager plays a key leadership role in maintaining the lodge’s reputation for luxury hospitality and authentic safari experiences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Operational Management
• Oversee daily operations of both the hunting lodge and 5-star game lodge.
• Ensure smooth functioning of all departments including front office, housekeeping, maintenance, food & beverage, guiding, and guest services.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all areas.
• Manage logistics, procurement, and inventory control.
• Monitor quality control standards and guest service levels.
• Guest Experience and Service Excellence
• Ensure a world-class guest experience consistent with 5-star standards.
• Personally engage with guests to ensure satisfaction and resolve any complaints promptly.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of guest activities, safaris, and hunting experiences.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and cleanliness throughout the property.
• Ensure guest safety, privacy, and comfort at all times.
• Financial and Administrative Management
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Monitor operational costs, margins, and profitability.
• Oversee billing, cash flow, and stock control.
• Ensure compliance with company financial and procurement policies.
• Work closely with the head office or owners on monthly reporting.
• Human Resources and Team Leadership
• Lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team across multiple departments.
• Recruit, train, and mentor lodge staff to deliver 5-star service.
• Conduct performance reviews and ensure compliance with HR policies.
• Promote teamwork, staff development, and a positive work culture.
• Schedule staff rotations, manage leave, and oversee payroll approvals.
• Sales, Marketing, and Guest Relations
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the lodge and hunting experiences.
• Manage guest bookings and liaise with travel agents, tour operators, and DMCs.
• Drive repeat business and guest loyalty through personalized service.
• Represent the lodge at tourism and trade events when required.
• Maintain online presence and reputation management on review platforms.
• Compliance, Health & Safety
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee maintenance and safety of all lodge facilities and vehicles.
• Implement wildlife, firearm, and hunting safety protocols.
• Manage security of guests, staff, and property.
• Sustainability and Conservation
• Support conservation and community development initiatives.
• Promote responsible tourism and eco-friendly operational practices.
• Work with conservation partners and local communities to sustain wildlife populations and ecosystems.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, or Business Administration (essential).
• Additional training in Wildlife Management, Hunting Operations, or Eco-tourism advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of lodge or hotel management experience, with at least 3 years at General Manager or Assistant GM level.
• Proven experience managing both luxury game lodges and hunting operations.
• Strong financial management, operational planning, and people leadership experience.
• Sound understanding of hospitality standards, wildlife management, and guest relations in a luxury safari environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Competent in MS Office, property management systems, and POS systems.
• Strong understanding of 5-star service principles.
• Knowledge of firearm handling and hunting ethics (advantageous).

Ability to work in a remote environment and adapt to lodge life.