Operations Manager - Zambia (Only Locals)

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 424,000 - 678,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs seeks an experienced Operations Manager for a luxury safari lodge in Zambia. This hands-on leadership role oversees the full lodge operation, including Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Guest Experience to deliver exceptional service and financial performance.

You will work closely with the General Manager to maintain high standards, drive cost control, staff development and seamless guest experiences in a remote lodge setting.

Qualifications

• Senior hotel/lodge operations experience
• Hands-on leadership with multi-department oversight
• Experience in remote lodge or safari environments preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee F&B, Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Guest Experience
• Drive service excellence and operational discipline across departments
• Manage cost control, stock, labour planning and financial performance
• Mentor Department Heads and multi-disciplinary teams
• Ensure seamless guest experiences and high service standards
• Collaborate with General Manager on property-wide operations

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

F&B exposure

Cost control

Staff management

Guest service

Communication skills

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER | LUXURY SAFARI LODGE | ZAMBIA

A beautiful 4-star Safari Lodge & Spa ; nestled along the lush banks of the Zambezi River and within reach of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to join its leadership team. Reporting to the General Manager ; this senior role will take responsibility for ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the lodge, driving service excellence, operational discipline, departmental accountability and financial performance.

THE ROLE

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position with oversight across the full lodge operation, including:

• Food & Beverage
• Front Office
• Housekeeping
• Maintenance
• Guest Experience
• Service Standards & Operational Excellence

The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager to ensure consistent standards, effective communication between departments, strong cost control and a seamless guest experience.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Previous experience in a senior hotel, lodge, resort or hospitality operations role
• Strong operational background, ideally with solid F&B exposure
• Proven ability to lead Department Heads and multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of cost control, stock management, labour planning and financial performance
• A genuine passion for guest service and hospitality excellence
• A hands-on leadership style with the ability to be highly visible and involved in the operation
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to support the General Manager with property-wide oversight and operational follow-through
• Experience in a remote lodge, resort or safari environment would be advantageous

LOCATION & CANDIDATE PROFILE

The position is based in Zambia and preference will be given to a local Zambian candidate . Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.