Operations Manager

FreeRecruit; Hluhluwe; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

FreeRecruit is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a luxury 5-star lodge in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal. This permanent live-in role requires strong leadership to manage guest experiences and day-to-day operations.

Candidates should have 3+ years in a 5-star operation, lodge or camp management, and a valid SA driver's licence. The role involves staff development, budgeting, health and safety, and coordinating with departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a 5-star operation.
• Previous lodge or camp management experience.
• Valid, unendorsed South African driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Meet and greet guests and ensure exceptional guest experiences
• Assist with the overall management of lodge operations
• Host agents, media and groups
• Create memorable guest experiences
• Host evenings as required by business levels
• Weekly operational planning, including training, staffing and guest requirements
• Conduct housekeeping and room checks
• Oversee kitchen and other lodge departments
• Ensure operational standards are maintained across all departments
• Conduct departmental and finance meetings
• Manage staff welfare, training and performance
• Complete performance reviews for direct reports
• Ensure departmental performance reviews are completed on time
• Participate in Health & Safety meetings and implement required actions
• Monitor stock and participate in stock takes
• Monitor departmental budgets and operational costs
• Promote strong teamwork and communication between departments

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Guest service

Teamwork

Problem solving

Integrity

Hospitality

Organizational skills

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER – LUXURY 5-STAR LODGE

Location: Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Position: Operations Manager
Type: Permanent | Live-In
Salary: Market Related

A fantastic opportunity is available for an experienced Operations Manager to join a luxury 5-star lodge operation in the Hluhluwe area.

Our client is looking for a passionate hospitality professional who is confident leading teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences and ensuring smooth day-to-day lodge operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet and greet guests and ensure exceptional guest experiences
• Assist with the overall management of lodge operations
• Host agents, media and groups
• Create memorable guest experiences
• Host evenings as required by business levels
• Weekly operational planning, including training, staffing and guest requirements
• Conduct housekeeping and room checks
• Oversee kitchen and other lodge departments
• Ensure operational standards are maintained across all departments
• Conduct departmental and finance meetings
• Manage staff welfare, training and performance
• Complete performance reviews for direct reports
• Ensure departmental performance reviews are completed on time
• Participate in Health & Safety meetings and implement required actions
• Monitor stock and participate in stock takes
• Monitor departmental budgets and operational costs
• Promote strong teamwork and communication between departments

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in a 5-star operation
• Previous lodge or camp management experience
• Management training or qualification advantageous
• Strong luxury hospitality and guest service experience
• Experience managing and developing staff
• Experience working with children would be an advantage
• Valid, unendorsed South African driver’s licence essential

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership abilities
• Professional, courteous and highly hospitable
• Able to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Proactive and driven with strong initiative
• Excellent problem-solving and lateral-thinking abilities
• Honest and high-integrity individual
• Passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences
• Strong team player with excellent organisational skills

This is a permanent live-in position.

Transport to and from leave cycles will be the successful candidate’s responsibility.

https://www.bushwise.co.za/professionals/vacancies

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