Senior Reservationist

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd seeks an experienced reservations professional for an office-based role in White River, Mpumalanga. The successful candidate will manage all reservations activities, including enquiries, quotations, and confirmations, and will lead a small team as needed.

Strong sales and customer service skills are essential. The role requires 3–5 years in a senior reservations position, a relevant hospitality qualification is advantageous, and availability for weekend standby may be

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 required.
• Hospitality, Tourism or Reservations qualification beneficial.
• 3–5 years in a senior reservations role, preferably in luxury settings.
• Experience with direct, travel-agent and DMC bookings.
• Strong knowledge of reservations procedures from enquiry to confirmation.
• Experience with reservations or property management software.
• Supervisory or team-leadership experience advantageous.
• Strong understanding of rates, commissions, deposits, and payments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage reservations from enquiry to confirmation.
• Handle direct, travel-agent and DMC bookings.
• Upsell and maximise revenue while ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Lead and supervise a small reservations team.
• Maintain accuracy in rates, deposits, and payment procedures.
• Communicate clearly with guests, agents, and internal teams.
• Ensure use of the reservation system and MS Office tools.

Skills

Reservations management

Sales & upselling

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Independent working

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Hospitality/ Tourism qualification beneficial

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Reservation system

Job description

Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 / Matric qualification.
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality, Tourism, Travel or Reservations advantageous.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a senior reservations role, preferably within a luxury lodge, safari, hotel group or central reservations office.
• Proven experience handling direct, travel-agent and DMC bookings.
• Strong knowledge of reservations procedures from enquiry and quotation through to confirmation.
• Experience working with a reservations or property management system.
• Previous supervisory or team-leadership experience advantageous.
• Strong understanding of rates, commissions, deposits and payment procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong sales and upselling ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple enquiries simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of daily reservations activity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must be willing and able to work office-based in White River.
• Must be available for rotational weekend and after-hours standby.

Skills & Competencies

• Reservations and booking management
• Sales and conversion skills
• Luxury hospitality knowledge
• Team leadership and supervision
• Excellent written communication
• Customer service
• Commercial awareness
• Financial and numerical accuracy
• Attention to detail
• Time management and organisation
• Problem-solving
• Ability to work under pressure
• Professional telephone and email etiquette
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently

Working Arrangements

Location: White River, Mpumalanga – office-based, daily attendance required.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30, including a 30-minute lunch break.

Additional Coverage: Weekend and after-hours standby on a rotational basis.

Start Date: As soon as possible, subject to the successful candidate's notice period.

Remuneration: To be discussed based on experience and the responsibilities of the role.

Candidates should be advised that this is an office-based position in White River, Mpumalanga, with daily attendance required.

Candidates currently residing outside the area should have a realistic relocation plan and be able to confirm their expected availability.