Reservations Manager

The Legends Agency; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury hospitality agency is seeking a Direct Reservations Manager responsible for driving revenue through yield management and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This hands-on leadership role requires a strategic thinker with at least two years of experience in luxury hotels. Applicants should exhibit strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills while managing reservations operations effectively.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in a similar role within the luxury hotel industry.
• Solid understanding of yield management and direct sales.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all direct reservations and ensure real-time room availability.
• Lead, train, and motivate the reservations team.
• Participate in strategic planning and promotional initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Yield Management

Customer Loyalty Strategies

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Are you a strategic thinker with a flair for luxury hospitality and a passion for exceptional guest service? Were seeking a Direct Reservations Manager to lead our reservations function, drive revenue through effective yield management, and deliver memorable guest experiences from first contact to final confirmation.

About the Role

As the Direct Reservations Manager, youll oversee all direct booking channels, ensure seamless reservation processes, and collaborate with key departments to maximize revenue opportunities. This is a hands-on, leadership-focused role where your operational expertise and people management skills will truly shine.

• Education : Relevant tertiary qualification (advantageous)
• Experience : At least 2 years in a similar role within the luxury hotel industry
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
• Solid understanding of yield management, direct sales, and customer loyalty strategies

Key Responsibilities

Reservations & Revenue Management

• Oversee all direct reservations and ensure real-time room availability
• Optimize yield through proactive rate and inventory management
• Confirm all weekly arrivals and secure guest payments in advance
• Manage VIP bookings with professionalism and discretion
• Lead, train, and motivate the reservations team for peak performance
• Conduct regular coaching, onboarding, and performance reviews
• Maintain and enforce departmental SOPs and service standards
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service excellence

Strategic & Operational Support

• Participate in strategic planning and promotional initiatives
• Track the success of sales programs and report insights to leadership
• Work closely with revenue and front office teams to align departmental goals

Guest Relations & Communication

• Respond promptly to queries and resolve complaints with care
• Ensure all guest preferences and special requests are accurately recorded and communicated
• Maintain expert knowledge of destination offerings, promotions, and rates

Additional Expectations

This role may require Duty Management or Night Shifts, as well as after-hours availability for critical operational matters. Flexibility, professionalism, and a solutions-driven approach are key to success.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

If youre driven, guest-focused, and ready to lead within a premium hospitality environment, wed love to hear from you.