Project Coordinator – Safari Lodge Pre-Opening | Umhlanga (6-month contract)

Dixie Recruitment; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Project Coordinator/Executive PA for an exciting opportunity in Umhlanga Rocks, KZN. The ideal candidate will have a diploma or degree in Business Administration or Project Management, with 3–5 years of relevant experience. This role involves coordinating pre-opening activities for a safari lodge, making strong communication and multitasking skills essential for success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in project coordination, ideally within hospitality.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain pre-opening project plans.
• Coordinate project meetings and ensure accurate follow-up.
• Provide administrative support across all workstreams.

Skills

Organisational skills

Proficiency in MS Office

Excellent communication skills

Multitasking ability

Education

Diploma or Degree in Business Administration

Degree in Project Management

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly organised and proactive Project Coordinator/Executive PA to join the team in developing a safari lodge in KZN.

Based in Umhlanga Rocks, this role is central to the success of the resort's pre-opening phase and requires a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can juggle multiple priorities, and has a passion for world-class hospitality.

Required to start asap for a 6-month contract.

• Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or related field
• 3–5 years’ experience in project coordination, ideally within hospitality, real estate, or hotel/lodge pre-openings
• Strong administrative, organisational, and multitasking ability
• High proficiency in MS Office and project management tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines

Key Duties

• Develop, update, and maintain pre-opening project plans, task trackers, and checklists
• Schedule, coordinate, and minute project meetings, ensuring accurate follow-up on action points
• Maintain centralised filing and documentation systems (digital and hard copy)
• Track progress against timelines and escalate risks or delays to the General Manager
• Provide administrative support across all workstreams, including operations, HR, finance, procurement, marketing, and IT
• Consolidate reports for management and board review
• Act as the central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders
• Prepare regular progress updates and presentations for senior leadership and investors
• Coordinate site visits, inspections, and stakeholder briefings
• Arrange travel, accommodation, and itineraries for consultants and visiting executives
• Ensure all documentation meets company standards and audit requirements

We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements detailed above. If you have not received a reply within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Compliance

By applying, you confirm that:

• We may retain your personal information in our database for future matching of suitable opportunities
• We may contact you when suitable opportunities arise
• The information you have provided to us is true, correct and up to date