Lodge Manager

Wild Dreams Hospitality; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury safari lodge in South Africa is seeking a Lodge Manager to oversee the guest experience and ensure exceptional service. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in senior lodge management, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to guest satisfaction. Responsibilities include daily guest engagement, staff development, and operational oversight. This position offers private accommodation and benefits such as provident fund contributions and medical aid.

Benefits

Contribution to provident fund

Medical aid

Private accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in senior lodge management or guest services.
• Proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of guest experience to ensure exceptional service.
• Lead and develop the guest services team.
• Ensure compliance with company health and safety standards.

Skills

Guest experience management

Leadership and interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Detail orientation

Problem-solving

Tools

MS Office Suite

Property management systems

Job description

SUMMARY

A premier luxury safari lodge, renowned for its exceptional guest experiences and commitment to conservation, is looking for an LODGE MANAGER.

POSITION INFO

The Lodge Manager is responsible for the total oversight of the guest experience at the lodge, ensuring exceptional guest interaction and creating a welcoming, authentic, and seamless stay. This includes hands‑on leadership of the guest services team, proactive communication, issue resolution, and continuous training and development of all lodge team members to maintain the highest standards of luxury service and hospitality.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3‑5 years’ experience in a senior lodge management or guest services role in a 5‑star safari or boutique hotel environment.
• Proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills : a natural motivator and team player.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High level of professionalism, emotional maturity, and flexibility.
• Organized, with exceptional attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Solid knowledge of lodge operations and luxury guest expectations.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport essential.
• Computer literate (MS Office Suite) and familiar with property management systems.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service

• Be a visible and hands‑on host, meeting and engaging with guests daily to ensure a personalized and unforgettable stay.
• Maintain the established standards of guest care, guest delight, and guest feedback management, always turning guest comments into opportunities for improvement.
• Respond promptly and graciously to all guest queries, complaints, and special requests; use all feedback as a learning platform.
• Act as the primary contact for high‑profile guests, VIPs, travel agents, and media visits as required.
• Conduct regular guest briefings and ensure all activities and experiences run seamlessly.

Lodge Operations

• Ensure consistent communication and alignment with all other lodge departments : food & beverage, housekeeping, guiding, guest relations, and maintenance‑to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Ensure departmental procedures and service standards are current and in line with company SOPs and guest expectations.
• Maintain cleanliness, orderliness, and presentation of the lodge at all times.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the guest services team, setting clear goals, and performance expectations.
• Develop and support talent, including identifying and training team members for career growth.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, ensuring transparent communication, two‑way feedback, and follow up on agreed personal development plans.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture across all lodge departments.

Financial & Stock Controls

• Support accurate financial processes including daily expenditure control, stock control, ordering, and stock‑take processes.
• Monitor guest services costs and recommend efficiencies without compromising guest satisfaction.
• Adhere to par stock levels and manage supplier relations for guest service products.

Compliance & Standards

• Maintain adherence to all company health, safety, and sustainability policies- including fire, hygiene, and HACCP.
• Ensure full team compliance with the company’s sustainability initiatives around water, waste, energy, and local partnerships.
• Implement and follow all HR policies and procedures including roster management, leave, overtime, and discipline.

Communication & Reporting

• Attend regular management meetings to report on guest feedback, lodge service performance, and staff development.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports for the General Manager and company support office as required.

Benefits

• Contribution to provident fund and medical aid.
• Private accommodation with : one bedroom, en‑suite, lounge, kitchen area, fenced garden, carport, wifi, visitors allowed and access to fitness centre.