Relief Lodge Manager

CFS Recruitment; Skukuza Rest Camp; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga-based relief lodge manager role across two luxury safari lodges. Provide senior operational leadership, guest experience oversight and hands-on management across properties with a focus on consistency, quality and seamless handovers.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in luxury hospitality leadership, with strong communication and financial awareness. Live-in accommodation is provided, with start date ASAP.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' management experience within luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels or five-star hospitality environments.
• Previous experience managing guest-facing operations.
• Strong understanding of lodge operations and luxury guest experience standards.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage operational priorities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and guest engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for either lodge during relief periods or when on duty.
• Oversee daily lodge operations including arrivals, departures, room allocations and activities.
• Coordinate with Heads of Department to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Conduct regular area inspections to maintain impeccable presentation and maintenance standards.
• Support during peak periods, events and management transitions.
• Lead teams with clear direction and manage handovers effectively.

Skills

Management experience

Guest experience leadership

Operations management

Communication skills

Financial awareness

Driver's license

Job description

RELIEF LODGE MANAGER

Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga | Luxury Safari Lodges

An exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality manager to provide senior operational and guest experience leadership across two prestigious luxury safari lodges.

This dynamic role offers variety and responsibility, rotating between Lodge Manager and Guest Experience Manager duties at two properties. The successful candidate will ensure management continuity, maintain exceptional service standards and provide hands‑on leadership according to the operational needs of the business.

THE ROLE

Operational Management

• Assume full operational responsibility for either lodge during management leave or relief periods.

• Oversee daily lodge operations, including guest arrivals and departures, room allocations, activities and operational logistics.

• Work closely with Heads of Department to ensure smooth operations and consistent service delivery.

• Conduct regular inspections of guest areas and facilities, maintaining impeccable presentation and maintenance standards.

• Support both properties during peak periods, special events and management transitions.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Deliver personalised luxury guest experiences and maintain a visible presence throughout the lodges.

• Build meaningful guest relationships, anticipate needs and coordinate VIP arrivals, celebrations and special occasions.

• Manage guest requests, feedback and service recovery.

• Conduct quality checks to ensure consistent service standards across both properties.

• Identify opportunities to enhance guest satisfaction and the overall guest journey.

Leadership & Management

• Provide direction, support and leadership to operational teams when acting in a management capacity.

• Build strong relationships with departmental managers, suppliers and support teams.

• Assume full authority and accountability for the management position being covered.

• Ensure effective management handovers, maintaining accurate logs and communicating outstanding operational, guest, staffing and maintenance matters.

• Participate in management meetings and operational reviews.

Financial & Compliance

• Support cost control, stock management and responsible resource utilisation.

• Monitor operational expenditure and ensure company assets are properly maintained.

• Ensure compliance with company procedures, health and safety requirements and environmental standards.

• Support emergency preparedness and operational risk management.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a versatile and adaptable hospitality professional with proven management experience in a luxury environment. The ideal candidate will be equally confident leading lodge operations and delivering exceptional guest experiences, with the ability to move seamlessly between properties and management responsibilities.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 3–5 years' management experience within a luxury safari lodge, boutique hotel or five-star hospitality environment.

• Previous experience managing guest-facing operations.

• Strong understanding of lodge operations and luxury guest experience standards.

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage operational priorities.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and guest engagement skills.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Good financial awareness and commercial understanding.

• Ability to remain calm, adaptable and effective under pressure.

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and hospitality management systems.

• Valid driver's licence.

THE DETAILS

Location: Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga
Remuneration: Market Related DOE
Live In
Start Date:ASAP