Reservations & Operations Manager

Kendrick Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 781,000 - 893,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Reservations & Operations Manager to join an established travel company based in Cape Town, with the possibility of Johannesburg. This hands-on hospitality and travel professional will oversee daily reservations and operations, lead the reservations team, manage bookings, suppliers and client communications, and implement efficient procedures for improved service and productivity.

Salary: R70,000 – R80,000 CTC per month.

Qualifications

• Previous management experience within travel or tourism.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily reservations and operational functions of the business.
• Lead, manage and support the reservations team, ensuring efficient workflows and excellent service delivery.
• Manage booking processes, supplier relationships and client communications.
• Ensure all reservations are handled accurately and within required timeframes.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor team performance, resolve operational challenges and maintain service standards.

Job description

Reservations & Operations Manager | Cape Town / Johannesburg | Travel Company

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and highly organised Reservations & Operations Manager to join an established travel company, based in Cape Town, with the possibility of Johannesburg. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on hospitality and travel professional with strong operational leadership skills, excellent reservations knowledge and the ability to oversee the smooth running of a busy travel operation.

Salary: R70,000 – R80,000 CTC per month

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily reservations and operational functions of the business.
• Lead, manage and support the reservations team, ensuring efficient workflows and excellent service delivery.
• Manage booking processes, supplier relationships and client communications.
• Ensure all reservations are handled accurately and within required timeframes.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor team performance, resolve operational challenges and maintain service standards.
• Work closely with management and other departments to ensure seamless coordination.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and overall business performance.
• Manage escalated client queries and ensure professional resolution.

Requirements:

• Previous management experience within the travel or tourism industry.
• Strong knowledge of reservations processes and travel operations.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong understanding of booking systems and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• A proactive, solutions‑driven approach with exceptional attention to detail.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced travel professional to take ownership of a key operational role within a growing travel business.