Operations Manager

Zohorecruit; Hluhluwe; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

50% medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Hluhluwe area luxury 5-star lodge seeks an experienced Operations Manager for a permanent live-in position. The role focuses on leading teams, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and ensuring smooth day-to-day lodge operations.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in a 5-star operation, lodge or camp management experience, and proven staff development and leadership abilities. A SA driver’s licence is essential; live-in accommodation is provided along with medical aid and provident fund.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in a 5-star operation
• Lodge or camp management experience
• Luxury hospitality and guest service excellence
• Staff development and leadership
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Calm under pressure and solution-focused
• Strong initiative and proactive approach
• Integrity and high professional standards
• Team player with strong organisational skills
• Valid South African driver’s license (unendorsed)

Responsibilities

• Meet and greet guests and ensure exceptional guest experiences
• Assist with the overall management of lodge operations
• Host agents, media and groups
• 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

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER – LUXURY 5-STAR LODGE

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
• 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 & 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

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience in a 5-star operation
• Previous lodge or camp management experience
• 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

Live-in, 50% medical aid and provident fund