Lodge Manager

Kendrick Recruitment; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury lodge recruitment agency in South Africa is seeking an experienced Lodge Manager for a prestigious nine-room lodge on the Garden Route. The role involves overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, ensuring health & safety compliance, and leading a dedicated team to provide unforgettable guest experiences. Candidates should have a strong management background in luxury hospitality, be passionate about nature, and hold a valid driver's licence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years management experience within luxury lodge or boutique hotel operations.
• Strong interest in nature and activities associated with the surrounding environment.
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport (essential).
• Solid knowledge of food, wine and beverage operations.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and control costs.
• Excellent leadership communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, remain calm under pressure and adapt to the changing needs of the business.
• South African citizenship or a valid work permit.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily lodge operations including front of house, housekeeping, kitchen maintenance and the wedding venue.
• Collaborate with operations and finance teams to manage budgets, control costs and ensure operational sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory environmental and health & safety standards.
• Support the bistro team to maintain excellence in cuisine presentation and service delivery.
• Supervise staff scheduling, performance and welfare across all departments.
• Drive internal communication, motivation and professional development within the team.
• Manage HR processes including performance reviews, disciplinary procedures and leave management in collaboration with the HR Manager.
• Coordinate with the marketing and reservations teams to ensure accurate availability rates and promotional offerings.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure procurement aligns with company standards.
• Work closely with event coordinators to ensure seamless execution of weddings, functions and other events.
• Represent the lodge as a premier destination for bespoke celebrations, retreats and eco-luxury experiences.

Skills

Restaurant Experience

Customer Service

Employee Evaluation

Management Experience

Math

Employment & Labor Law

Sanitation

Leadership Experience

P&L Management

Mentoring

Supervising Experience

Restaurant Management

Job description

Lodge Manager Luxury Lodge Garden Route WC

Salary: Negotiable DOE Live-In

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a highly experienced and professional Lodge Manager to oversee the operations of a luxury nine-room lodge located along the beautiful Garden Route WC. This property also features a bistro and wedding venue offering guests an exceptional hospitality experience in a serene natural setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily lodge operations including front of house, housekeeping, kitchen maintenance and the wedding venue
• Collaborate with operations and finance teams to manage budgets, control costs and ensure operational sustainability
• Ensure compliance with all statutory environmental and health & safety standards
• Support the bistro team to maintain excellence in cuisine presentation and service delivery
• Supervise staff scheduling, performance and welfare across all departments
• Drive internal communication, motivation and professional development within the team
• Manage HR processes including performance reviews, disciplinary procedures and leave management in collaboration with the HR Manager
• Coordinate with the marketing and reservations teams to ensure accurate availability rates and promotional offerings
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure procurement aligns with company standards
• Work closely with event coordinators to ensure seamless execution of weddings, functions and other events
• Represent the lodge as a premier destination for bespoke celebrations, retreats and eco-luxury experiences

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years management experience within luxury lodge or boutique hotel operations
• Strong interest in nature and activities associated with the surrounding environment
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport (essential)
• Solid knowledge of food, wine and beverage operations
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and control costs
• Excellent leadership communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask, remain calm under pressure and adapt to the changing needs of the business
• South African citizenship or a valid work permit

This is an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated hospitality professional to join a prestigious property leading a passionate team and ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable luxury experience in one of South Africa’s most scenic destinations.

Key Skills

• Restaurant Experience
• Customer Service
• Employee Evaluation
• Management Experience
• Math
• Employment & Labor Law
• Sanitation
• Leadership Experience
• P&L Management
• Mentoring
• Supervising Experience
• Restaurant Management