Operations Manager

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Medical aid

Pension fund

Gratuities share

Gym memberships

Food allowance

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality seeks a hands-on, senior leader with multi-department hospitality experience, preferably at a five-star safari lodge. You will bring energy, calm guidance, and a commitment to exceptional service in a busy bush environment.

The role demands at least three years in a senior operational role, strong staff development skills, budgeting expertise, and robust Health & Safety knowledge. Live-in arrangements and a competitive market-related package are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a senior operational/management role in hospitality.
• Proven staff management, budgeting and cost control.
• Track record delivering five-star service standards.
• Strong Health & Safety knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication and presence.
• Experience leading multi-department operations.
• Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of Sage X3 and HMS Infor advantageous.
• English fluency; valid driver\'s license and own transport.
• Willing to work 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off; bush life readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support all operational departments.
• Maintain a five-star guest experience across the journey.
• Monitor feedback and resolve issues with HODs.
• Plan budgets and monitor expenditures; drive cost controls.
• Oversee facilities, vehicles, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance and risk assessments.
• Provide leave cover for Deputy General Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budgeting

Cost control

Health & Safety

Project management

O perational improvements

English

Driver's license

Travel to property

Computer literacy

Sage X3

HMS Infor

Education

Hospitality management qualification

Tools

Sage X3

HMS Infor

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, presentable leader with senior, multi-department hospitality experience, ideally at a five-star safari lodge. You will bring energy, a sense of fun and a calm head to a busy bush operation.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum three years’ experience in a senior operational or management role in hospitality, preferably at a five-star safari lodge, overseeing multiple departments
• Proven experience in staff management and development, operational planning, budgeting and cost control
• Proven track record of delivering service excellence and developing five-star service standards
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety requirements and legislation
• Highly presentable, with strong leadership, people and communication skills
• Experience managing projects and driving operational improvements
• Ability to identify operational challenges, implement solutions and drive efficiencies
• Able to work collaboratively with senior management and departmental HODs
• Extensive computer literacy (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and internet); knowledge of Sage X3 and HMS Infor advantageous
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management advantageous
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Valid driver’s licence and own means of travel to the property
• Willing to work flexible hours and a 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off work cycle
• Realistic expectations of bush life
• Positive, accountable and solution-oriented, with cultural sensitivity and a good sense of humour

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead, guide and support all operational departments
• Uphold a consistently exceptional five-star guest experience across the entire guest journey
• Monitor guest feedback and resolve concerns together with HODs
• Identify and implement improvements to systems, processes and operational performanceMonitor departmental expenditure against budgets and targets, and identify cost-control opportunities
• Assist with the preparation and management of departmental budgets
• Manage departmental resources, equipment and assets effectively
• Ensure facilities, vehicles and equipment are maintained to the highest standard
• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety standards and statutory compliance across the property
• Conduct Health & Safety inspections and risk assessments
• Provide leave cover for the Deputy General Manager

On Offer:

• Permanent employment
• Market-related salary, depending on qualifications and experience
• Live-in, basic furnished accommodation
• Food allowance of R2,718 per month, over and above salary
• Work cycle of 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
• Medical aid with 50% company contribution (after a successful 3-month probation period)
• Pension fund with 50% company contribution (after a successful 3-month probation period)
• Share of guest gratuities and a 1% company revenue gratuity (from reopening in 2027)
• Twenty bed nights per year for family and friends (from reopening in 2027)
• Two free gym memberships (after a successful 3-month probation period)
• Please note: pets cannot be accommodated, and no transport services are provided