Lodge Manager – Luxury Private Game Reserve – Eastern Cape | Sl

JVR Software; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 223,000 - 335,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Live-in Accommodation

Rotation schedule (6 weeks on / 2 off)

Annual, Sick and Family Leave

Job summary

HotelJobs is recruiting a Lodge Manager for a luxury private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The role focuses on guest experience and team leadership, with live-in accommodation and rotation across properties.

You will manage guest services, dining and activities while upholding safety, standards and conservation practices. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in lodge management, strong staff leadership, and experience with F&B and lodge operations.

Qualifications

• 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 drivers 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

Responsibilities

• Guest Experience: Ensure the highest standards of personalised guest satisfaction across all touchpoints throughout each stay
• Guest satisfaction: Resolve any guest issues or concerns promptly and professionally
• Guest journey: Maintain exceptional attention to detail throughout the full guest journey
• Guest offerings: Oversee guest experiences across accommodation, dining, activities and recreational offerings
• Staff Management: Supervise; train, schedule and performance manage the lodge team across all departments
• Team culture: Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and genuine care
• Team leadership: Lead by example and maintain a positive, energetic team environment
• Operational support: 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
• Safety & standards: Enforce health, safety and hygiene standards and procedures
• Industry knowledge: Stay updated on industry trends, regulations and best practices
• Brand & standards: Uphold the reserves brand values and operational standards throughout

Skills

Lodge management

Guest experience

Staff management

F&B knowledge

ResRequest

Sage POS

Excel

Driver's license

Own vehicle

English communication

Conservation knowledge

Tools

ResRequest

Sage POS

Job description

Employer HotelJobs Location South Africa Job type Other IT/Computer Salary Not specified Posted 1 Nov 2026

Lodge Manager – Luxury Private Game Reserve – Eastern Cape

for a well-known luxury Big Five private game reserve in the Eastern Cape – one of South Africas 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 drivers 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 reserves 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