Operations Director

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks an Operations Director for a safari operation in Eastern Cape. The candidate will lead all operational divisions, ensuring safety and profitability while maintaining high standards for client experiences. Responsibilities include overseeing logistics, staff management, and financial performance. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in hunting safari operations, strong leadership abilities, and compliance knowledge. This role requires a Business Degree and is suited for those passionate about conservation and ethical hunting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of senior operational leadership experience.
• Licensed Professional Hunter certification (where applicable).
• Extensive experience in hunting safari operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all safari and camp operations.
• Develop and implement operational strategies.
• Ensure premium client hosting and satisfaction.
• Manage operational budgets and cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Financial management

Hunting operations knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

Business Degree or Diploma

Job description

Operations Director Hunting Safari Operation Eastern Cape

Position Overview

The Operations Director is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the safari operation, ensuring safe, ethical, and profitable delivery of world‑class hunting and hospitality experiences. This role oversees all operational divisions including guiding, camp management, logistics, compliance, staff leadership, and client experience. The Operations Director drives operational excellence, conservation responsibility, and financial performance while protecting the reputation of the safari brand. The ideal candidate is an experienced safari professional with strong leadership ability, regulatory knowledge, and commercial acumen.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all safari and camp operations
• Ensure seamless coordination between guiding, logistics, and hospitality
• Maintain high standards of client experience
• Develop and implement operational strategies
• Monitor operational efficiency and risk management
• Supervise multiple camps or hunting areas if applicable

Compliance & Ethics

• Ensure full compliance with local hunting laws and permits
• Maintain firearm and wildlife regulations
• Enforce ethical hunting standards
• Oversee conservation and land management practices
• Manage relationships with authorities and landowners

Client Experience

• Ensure premium client hosting and satisfaction
• Handle VIP clients and international hunters
• Manage complaints and operational challenges
• Protect brand reputation

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets and cost control
• Forecast seasonal logistics and resource needs
• Oversee procurement and equipment management
• Support sales strategy and revenue growth
• Analyze profitability per safari season

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, train, and manage professional hunters and camp staff
• Build a high‑performance operational culture
• Conduct performance reviews and mentoring
• Ensure safety training and operational readiness

Logistics & Infrastructure

• Manage vehicles, equipment, firearms, and supplies
• Oversee camp maintenance and upgrades
• Plan seasonal operational logistics
• Ensure remote site readiness

Safety & Risk Management

• Enforce strict safety protocols
• Emergency planning and crisis response
• Insurance and liability compliance

Qualifications & Requirements

• Business Degree or Diploma
• Previous Lodge experience
• Extensive experience in hunting safari operations
• Licensed Professional Hunter certification (where applicable)
• Strong knowledge of hunting laws and compliance
• Minimum 810 years senior operational leadership experience
• Proven ability to manage remote operations
• Financial and commercial management skills
• Excellent client relations and hosting ability
• Firearm competency and safety training
• Strong leadership and decision‑making ability
• Physically fit and able to work in demanding environments
• Willingness to travel and live in remote locations
• Passion for conservation and ethical hunting