Reservations Manager

Craven Cottage CC; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in South Africa is seeking an experienced Reservations Manager to oversee daily operations, lead a reservations team and drive occupancy revenue across properties. You will ensure accurate rate execution, manage bookings and provide proactive support to travel trade and guests.

The role requires 5+ years in reservations management, strong PMS knowledge, and a guest-focused, detail-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Hospitality, Tourism or related field.
• 5+ years reservations management experience in hotel/lodge/hospitality collection.
• Experience supervising a reservations team.
• Strong knowledge of PMS, booking channels, and reservation procedures.
• Understanding of rates, inventory management and revenue optimisation.
• Experience handling direct, trade, group and corporate bookings.
• Excellent communication, sales and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational, numerical and analytical abilities.
• Guest-focused approach with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Knowledge of Tanzanian tourism market advantageous.
• Tanzanian candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily reservations operations with prompt, professional enquiries.
• Lead, train and support the reservations team.
• Oversee bookings, amendments, cancellations, confirmations and provisional bookings.
• Ensure accurate recording of rates, deposits, payment terms, guest details and requests.
• Monitor availability and booking trends to maximise occupancy and revenue.
• Ensure consistent application of rates, contracts and cancellation policies.
• Maintain information across reservation systems and online channels.
• Build relationships with travel agents, tour operators, corporate clients and direct guests.
• Coordinate room allocations and group bookings with properties.
• Monitor outstanding payments and follow up on unconfirmed bookings.
• Prepare reservation forecasts, performance reports and booking statistics.
• Resolve booking concerns and improve processes to enhance service.

Skills

Reservations management

Staff supervision

Property management systems

Booking channels

Revenue optimisation

Direct/group bookings

Communication skills

Numerical ability

Attention to detail

Prioritisation

Knowledge of Tanzanian market

Education

Hospitality/Tourism qualification

Tools

Property Management System (PMS)

Booking platforms

Job description

Duties

• Manage daily reservations operations and ensure enquiries are handled promptly and professionally.
• Lead, train and support the reservations team.
• Oversee bookings, amendments, cancellations, confirmations and provisional reservations.
• Ensure rates, deposits, payment terms, guest details and special requests are accurately recorded.
• Monitor availability and booking trends, working with sales and property teams to maximise occupancy and revenue.
• Ensure consistent application of approved rates, contracts and cancellation policies.
• Maintain accurate information across reservation systems and online booking channels.
• Build strong relationships with travel agents, tour operators, corporate clients and direct guests.
• Coordinate room allocations, group bookings and guest requirements with relevant properties.
• Monitor outstanding payments and follow up on unconfirmed bookings.
• Prepare reservation forecasts, performance reports and booking statistics.
• Resolve booking concerns and improve processes to support efficient service.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Hospitality, Tourism or a related field preferred.
• At least 5+ years proven reservations management experience within a hotel, lodge or hospitality collection.
• Experience supervising and developing a reservations team.
• Strong knowledge of property management systems, booking channels and reservation procedures.
• Understanding of rates, inventory management and revenue optimisation.
• Experience handling direct, trade, group and corporate bookings.
• Excellent communication, sales and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational, numerical and analytical abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a guest-focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and remain effective under pressure.
• Knowledge of the Tanzanian tourism market advantageous.
• Tanzanian candidates preferred.