Operations Manager

Virgin Limited Edition; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 614,000 - 837,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Medical Aid – company contribution 50%

Pension Fund – company contribution 50

Food allowance

Gratuities share

Revenue gratuity

Bed nights for family and friends

Virgin Active memberships

Job summary

Ulusaba, part of Virgin Limited Edition, in Limpopo, South Africa, seeks an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day lodge operations and drive exceptional guest experiences across Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge. You will lead multiple departments, manage resources and ensure safety standards are met.

We require 3+ years in senior hospitality management, a hospitality qualification, strong budgeting skills and proficiency with MS Excel, Sage X3 and HMS Infor. A valid driver’s license is essential.

Qualifications

• Three years’ experience in a senior operational or management role within hospitality.
• A qualification in Hospitality Management would be advantageous.
• Ability to work with senior management and HODs.
• Experience in staff management, budgeting and cost control.
• Experience delivering 5* service standards.
• Experience managing projects and operational improvements.
• Strong Health & Safety understanding.
• Proficient with MS Excel, Word, Outlook; knowledge of Sage X3 and HMS Infor.
• Excellent command of English, spoken and written.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to all operational departments.
• Maintain consistently exceptional five-star guest experience across the guest journey.
• Monitor guest feedback and address concerns with HODs.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in systems, processes and performance.
• Monitor departmental expenditure against budgets and identify cost-control opportunities.
• Assist with preparation and management of departmental budgets.
• Ensure effective management of resources, equipment and assets.
• Maintain Health & Safety standards across the property.
• Provide leave cover for the Deputy General Manager.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Budgeting

Cost control

Health & Safety

Operational planning

Problem solving

Communication

Sage X3

MS Excel

HMS Infor

Education

Hospitality Management qualification

Tools

Sage X3

MS Excel

HMS Infor

Job description

Here’s what it takes to make the magic happen!

Ulusaba is a safari destination located in South Africa on the edge of Kruger National Park in the world renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Ulusaba has two magnificent lodges: Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie (rocky hill) and has 8 rooms whilst Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and has 11 rooms. Many guests choose to split their stay between both lodges. Our portfolio also includes Sir Richard Branson’s private residence, the spectacular Cliff Lodge, which is available for exclusive-use bookings. Guests may book individual rooms, an individual lodge for a group or even the entire property as a whole - ideal for weddings and celebrations. The majority of our guests are international, primarily traveling from the UK and USA. Ulusaba is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, with the newly transformed property scheduled to reopen in April 2027.

Ulusaba is an excellent place to observe the ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion and leopard.The property belongs to Sir Richard Branson and, whilst maintaining a highly professional and efficient guest experience, it is key that any appointments maintain the sense of fun and the outgoing attitude of Virgin which is reflected in the running of this busy lodge. A hands‑on approach is expected of all team members.

For more info on the lodge and our collection of properties look at www.virginlimitededition.com and follow the link to Ulusaba.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the overall day-to-day operations of the Lodges, ensuring that all departments and operational functions run efficiently and effectively while maintaining the highest standards across the property. This includes the effective coordination and management of resources, implementation and monitoring of operational procedures, maintaining company standards and driving continuous improvement across all areas of the operation. The role also carries responsibility for overseeing all Health & Safety requirements, ensuring that appropriate standards and procedures are consistently implemented and adhered to across the property.

Qualifications / Experience

• Three years’ experience in a senior operational or management role within hospitality, preferably at a five-star safari lodge, with responsibility for overseeing multiple departments
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management would be advantageous
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior management and departmental HODs
• Proven experience in staff management and development, operational planning, budgeting and cost control
• Proven experience in delivering service excellence and development of 5* service standards
• Experience managing projects, coordinating and overseeing operational improvements
• Proven ability to identify operational challenges, implement solutions and drive efficiencies
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety requirements
• Extensive computer knowledge i.e. Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet, Powerpoint; knowledge of Sage X3 and HMS Infor would be advantageous
• Excellent command of the English language, spoken and written
• Valid driver’s license

Behaviours

• A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest service and experiences
• Highly presentable with excellent people and communication skills
• Exceptional leadership and people management with the ability to motivate team members
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards
• Strong financial acumen and cost‑consciousness
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
• A hands‑on, proactive approach to operational management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively and calmly under pressure
• Willing to work flexible hours
• Positive, flexible attitude with a solution‑oriented approach
• High level of accountability, integrity, ownership and pride in work
• Sensitive to cultural issues, patient with colleagues
• Realistic expectations of bush life
• A sense of fun and understanding of the Virgin way of doing things

Here’s what you’d do

• Provide effective leadership, guidance and support to all relevant operational departments
• Ensure a consistently exceptional five-star guest experience by driving and upholding the highest standards across all aspects of the guest journey, while supporting relevant HODs and their teams in consistently delivering these standards
• To monitor guest feedback and address any concerns in conjunction with HODs
• Identify opportunities for improvements in systems, processes and overall operational performance
• Monitor departmental expenditure against agreed budgets and operational targets and identify opportunities for cost control
• Assist with the preparation and management of departmental budgets
• Ensure effective management of departmental resources, equipment and assets
• To ensure that all facilities, vehicles, equipment and operational resources are maintained to the highest standards, allowing the Lodges to operate safely, efficiently and seamlessly
• Take overall responsibility for monitoring and maintaining Health & Safety standards across the property and operational departments
• Ensure compliance with applicable occupational Health & Safety legislation and statutory requirements
• Conduct Health & Safety inspections and risk assessments
• Provide leave cover for the Deputy General Manager

Here’s the deal

• Permanent employment
• Basic monthly salary (to be discussed in the interview)
• Live-in basic furnished accommodation
• R2718.00 food allowance at Stores over and above salary
• Medical Aid – company contribution 50% (after 3‑month successful probation period)
• Pension Fund – company contribution 50% (after 3‑month successful probation period)
• Share of gratuities left by guests (upon re‑opening of the lodge in 2027)
• 1% company revenue gratuity (upon re‑opening of the lodge in 2027)
• Twenty bed nights for family and friends annually (upon re‑opening of the lodge in 2027)
• Two free Virgin Active memberships (after 3‑month successful probation period)

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