Lodge Manager

Staff Solutions Recruitment; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Solutions Recruitment seeks a General Manager for a luxury safari lodge in the Eastern Cape. You will lead daily operations across departments to ensure top-tier guest experiences and strong financial performance.

Required are five years in a five-star lodge, proven leadership, and hands-on oversight of Front Office, F&B, housekeeping, and guest relations. Live-in position is essential and hotel standards must be impeccable.

Qualifications

• Matric and a Hotel Management qualification are essential.
• At least five years in a five-star lodge/hotel with hospitality management experience.
• Proven leadership across departments and operating results responsibility.
• Proficiency in OPERA and all Microsoft Office packages; experience using GuestRevu and TripAdvisor to manage guest feedback and reputation.

Responsibilities

• Set clear standards and responsibilities for departmental leaders; run daily briefings, inspect the property and verify operational readiness before guest arrivals and service periods.
• Coordinate occupancy, arrivals, departures, special requests and departmental workloads.
• Maintain effective duty management, handovers and cover during absences.
• Implement operating procedures and improvement plans; resolve recurring service failures and hold teams accountable for agreed actions.
• Lead service quality across dining, bar and guest hospitality; work with the chef on menu standards, stock, cost control and consistency.
• Own lodge condition and presentation, including guest rooms, public areas, grounds, equipment and relevant infrastructure.
• Lead recruitment, induction, rostering, performance reviews and development within approved structures.

Skills

Leadership

Guest Relations

Front Office

Housekeeping

Food & Beverage

Budgeting

OPERA

Microsoft Office

GuestRevu

TripAdvisor

English proficiency

Staff development

Education

Matric

Diploma/Certificate in Hotel Management

Degree

Tools

OPERA

Microsoft Office

GuestRevu

TripAdvisor

Job description

Minimum candidate requirements Matric and a degree, National Diploma or certificate in Hotel Management are essential. At least five years working experience in a five star lodge or hotel, with previous hospitality management experience essential. Candidates must demonstrate leadership across departments and responsibility for operating results. Thorough understanding of lodge operations, with strong working knowledge of Guest Relations, Front Office, Housekeeping and exceptional Food and Beverage knowledge. Financial competence, including budgeting, interpreting operating results, cost control, stock management and sound administrative discipline. Proficiency in OPERA and all Microsoft Office packages; experience using GuestRevu and TripAdvisor to manage guest feedback and reputation. Excellent spoken and written English, including clear management reporting. Professional presentation, strong interpersonal skills and excellent attention to detail. Proven ability to motivate teams and train staff, with an understanding of basic labour requirements and disciplinary procedures. Valid drivers licence without endorsements and own reliable vehicle or transport. Willingness to accept a live in position is essential.

Preferred profile: Previous General Manager or Lodge Manager experience in a luxury safari lodge, with evidence of improving guest satisfaction, profitability, team performance and property standards. Strong planning, time management and calm decision making under pressure are important.

Key responsibilities

Lodge leadership and daily operations

Set clear standards and responsibilities for departmental leaders; run daily briefings, inspect the property and verify operational readiness before guest arrivals and service periods. Coordinate occupancy, arrivals, departures, special requests and departmental workloads. Maintain effective duty management, handovers and cover during absences. Implement operating procedures and improvement plans; resolve recurring service failures and hold teams accountable for agreed actions.

Guest experience and service standards

Build personal relationships with guests and remain visible throughout their stay. Ensure preferences, dietary needs and special occasions are accurately communicated and delivered. Take ownership of complaints and service recovery. Monitor GuestRevu, TripAdvisor and direct feedback; address root causes and oversee timely, professional responses in line with policy. Inspect rooms, public areas and dining experiences regularly, ensuring presentation, cleanliness and service consistently meet the lodges standards.

Financial performance and commercial management

Manage the lodges operating budget and forecasts with management and finance. Review monthly profit and loss results, explain variances and implement corrective action. Control payroll, purchasing, food and beverage costs, utilities and other operating expenses without compromising guest standards or asset condition. Be involved in stock counts, requisitions, cash and billing controls, wastage, breakages and supplier performance. Maintain accurate records and investigate discrepancies promptly. Work with reservations and sales to support occupancy, room revenue, repeat business and appropriate additional guest spend. Monitor performance against agreed revenue and profitability targets.

Food and Beverage and housekeeping

Lead service quality across dining, bar and guest hospitality. Work with the chef and relevant managers on menu standards, dietary requirements, stock availability, cost control and consistency. Maintain food hygiene, safe storage and cleaning standards. Ensure room preparation, laundry, linen and amenities meet inspection standards and required turnaround times.

Property maintenance and asset care

Own the lodges condition and presentation, including guest rooms, public areas, grounds, equipment and relevant infrastructure. Conduct routine inspections and maintain an up to date defect register. Implement preventive maintenance schedules, prioritise repairs and confirm work is completed properly. Coordinate contractors and shared maintenance teams with minimal guest disruption. Track breakdowns, room downtime and repeat defects. Plan replacement needs and motivate capital expenditure before deferred maintenance affects safety, service or asset value.

Employees and departmental leadership

Lead recruitment, induction, rostering, performance reviews and development within approved structures. Manage attendance, overtime and leave to maintain effective staffing. Coach departmental leaders and deliver practical, ongoing service training. Build a respectful working environment with clear expectations, teamwork and consistent accountability. Address poor performance, grievances and misconduct promptly with HR support and in accordance with company procedures and applicable labour requirements. Maintain appropriate employee records.

Safety and operational resilience

Implement company health, safety, security, food safety and environmental procedures. Maintain emergency readiness and coordinate responses to medical, fire, wildlife and infrastructure incidents with the relevant reserve teams. Report incidents and material risks promptly, maintain action records and ensure corrective measures are completed. Protect guest information, company assets and confidential business information.