Reservations Manager

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Staff accommodation may be available

Subsidized meals

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Reservations Manager for a luxury safari lodge near Polokwane. The hybrid role combines office-based management with strategic oversight to drive bookings, occupancy and guest satisfaction.

You will lead a small reservations team, oversee PMS and booking software, and collaborate with sales, marketing and operations to align capacity with guest expectations in the Limpopo region.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in hotel or lodge reservations
• At least 1–2 years in a supervisory or managerial role
• Proficiency in PMS and reservation software
• Strong understanding of revenue management principles and occupancy forecasting
• Leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the reservations department including inquiries, bookings and confirmations.
• Lead, train and motivate the reservations team to achieve targets and high service standards.
• Oversee use of PMS and other booking software.
• Develop strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue with sales/marketing.
• Handle complex reservations and VIP guest arrangements.
• Monitor booking trends, competition and demand to adjust strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

PMS

Reservation software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a luxury safari lodge located near Polokwane , is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Reservations Manager. This crucial role involves overseeing all aspects of the reservations process, ensuring efficient booking management, maximizing occupancy, and providing exceptional service to potential and confirmed guests. You will lead a small team, manage booking systems, and liaise with marketing and operations to align reservations with lodge capacity and guest expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hospitality reservations, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for delivering seamless booking experiences in the beautiful Limpopo province. This hybrid role requires a blend of office-based management and strategic oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the reservations department, including inquiries, bookings, and confirmations.
• Lead, train, and motivate the reservations team to achieve performance targets and maintain high service standards.
• Oversee the accurate and efficient use of the Property Management System (PMS) and any other booking software.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize room occupancy and revenue, working closely with sales and marketing.
• Handle complex reservations, special requests, and VIP guest arrangements.
• Monitor booking trends, competitor activities, and market demand to adjust strategies accordingly.
• Ensure all reservation correspondence is professional, accurate, and timely.
• Liaise with the operations and F&B departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Generate regular reports on occupancy, revenue, and booking patterns for management.
• Resolve any booking-related issues or guest complaints promptly and effectively.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in hotel or lodge reservations, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proficiency in Property Management Systems (PMS) and reservation software.
• Excellent understanding of revenue management principles and occupancy forecasting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused approach with a passion for providing excellent service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience within the luxury travel or safari tourism sector is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or a related field is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing hospitality brand.
• Staff accommodation may be available, depending on candidate location.
• Subsidized meals while on duty.
• Be part of a unique and exclusive lodge experience near Polokwane .
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the Limpopo region.