Lodge Manager - Luxury Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape | Lb

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 223,000 - 335,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Rotation: 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off

Medical aid: Discovery (employer)

Provident Fund included

Leave: Annual, Sick and Family

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Lodge Manager for a luxury private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The role focuses on guest experience and team leadership at a 6-room lodge, with operational support across two other properties on the reserve.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in lodge management, proven guest service delivery, and strong staff leadership. Salary is negotiable and includes live-in accommodation and other benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Lodge Manager role at a luxury safari lodge.
• Proven track record in guest experience delivery and personalised service at a luxury level.
• Strong staff management, training, scheduling and performance management skills.
• Experience managing across multiple lodge departments including F&B, housekeeping and guest services.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the highest standards of personalised guest satisfaction across all touchpoints throughout each stay.
• Oversee guest experiences across accommodation, dining, activities and recreational offerings.
• Supervise; train, schedule and performance manage the lodge team across all departments.
• Maintain a culture of teamwork, accountability and genuine care.

Skills

Lodge Manager experience

Guest experience

Staff management

F&B knowledge

ResRequest & Sage POS

Excel proficiency

Driver's licence

Own vehicle

Tools

ResRequest

Sage POS

Job description

Lodge Manager - Luxury Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for an experienced, guest-focused and people-driven Lodge Manager for a well-known luxury Big Five private game reserve in the Eastern Cape - one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destinations. The Lodge Manager will be primarily based at an intimate 6-room lodge accommodating families and children, while also providing operational support across two additional properties on the reserve - one catering primarily to couples. This role demands genuine Lodge Manager experience, outstanding guest relations and strong people leadership. Financial and budget management is handled by the GM and operations team, allowing this role to focus on what matters most: the guest experience and the team behind it.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Lodge Manager role at a luxury safari lodge - essential and non-negotiable
• Proven track record in guest experience delivery and personalised service at a luxury level
• Strong staff management, training, scheduling and performance management skills
• Experience managing across multiple lodge departments including F&B, housekeeping and guest services
• Excellent knowledge of Food and Beverage and lodge service standards
• Proficient in ResRequest and Sage POS - essential
• Computer literate with strong MS Office skills, particularly Excel
• Valid driver’s licence - essential (manual vehicle driving confidence required)
• Own vehicle - preferred
• Excellent English communication skills - written and verbal
• Knowledge of conservation and sustainable lodge practices advantageous
• Positive; energetic, caring and solutions-oriented personality
• Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Ensure the highest standards of personalised guest satisfaction across all touchpoints throughout each stay
• Resolve any guest issues or concerns promptly and professionally
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail throughout the full guest journey
• Oversee guest experiences across accommodation, dining, activities and recreational offerings

Staff Management & Leadership

• Supervise; train, schedule and performance manage the lodge team across all departments
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and genuine care
• Lead by example and maintain a positive, energetic team environment
• Support and assist across all departments as operationally required

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily lodge operations across the primary eco-lodge and provide operational support to the villa and river lodge properties
• Enforce health, safety and hygiene standards and procedures
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations and best practices
• Uphold the reserve’s brand values and operational standards throughout

Package

• Gross Salary: R20,000 to R30,000 per month (DOE & negotiable)
• Food allowance: R780 per month
• Medical Aid: Discovery (employer contribution)
• Provident Fund: included
• Live-in: Accommodation provided
• Rotation: 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off
• Leave: Annual, Sick and Family Responsibility leave

Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.