Western Cape: Jr 16391 – General Manager (Game Lodge) posted by Professional Career Services

Employer Description Stunning 5* big 5 game lodge that sleeps 28 pax in Western Cape Job Description Seeking an experienced General Manager for a Big Five Private Game Reserve within the Western Cape. Exclusive upmarket private 14 bed lodge that offers a wilderness/game experience to overnight FIT and tour operator lodge guests and activity-based tourism/game drives and lunches to tour operator/bus groups and FITs. The Housekeeping and Food and Beverage Functions have to be maintained at the highest level as do the product offerings (accommodation/main lodge/bar/curio shop/game drives and excursions). The over-all running and management of the operation will be the responsibility of the General Manager, who will report directly to the shareholder/owners. Skills required Game Farm management : Must have a basic understanding of game farm management principles and must be able to identify problems/concerns in the following areas and task work teams accordingly: Fence checks and boundary lines Road maintenance Game management and carrying capacity Water supply and boreholes Gardens around living zones Maintenance and Vehicle Control Must be able to identify areas in the lodge where maintenance is required Ensure that standard and functionality of all lodge infrastructure is maintained (both in guest and staff areas) Have a basic understanding of constructions/maintenance principles and provide working, long-term solutions to maintenance problems in the lodge All materials/contractors required for maintenance need to be costed and approved by owners Oversee the Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle presentation and use of Safety and security Ensure adherence and understanding to Fire, Hygiene, Health and Safety Reduce accidents and ensure that all safety hazards are addressed and potential problems communicated to the owner Scheduling of security staff – duties and responsibilities Develop and enforce lodge security systems Continual monitoring of security cameras and alarm systems Food and beverage Replenishment planning Oversee standard of food/drink as well as presentation (table/food/special occasion) to ensure lodge standards are maintained Knowledge and experience of overall hospitality operations/Food and Beverage Finance/Admin Ensure the correct and timeous completion of all weekly/monthly financial reports and send them to owner Monitor and ensure that all payments received from guests are allocated and posted correctly – cash, card and eft payments must all be accounted for Ensure that all invoices are batched correctly and sent to the admin/support office for payment Check and sign-off Petty Cash Monitor Compile financial reports and report any irregularities to the owner Ensure monthly gratuities are allocated correctly – must be signed off, summarized and forwarded to the payroll office at month end Manage and control all purchasing for lodge – purchase orders and invoicing Control and issue all food and beverage stocks/linen/general lodge supplies Manage all stock takes and month end reports/consolidations Contribute to the creation, implementation and monitoring of budget throughout the organization Effective financial management through the administration of orders and effective stock control Manage and control inventory stock and compile Lodge monthly report Staffing, HR and Uniforms Planning and management of staff rosters and leave schedule Staff training and development throughout all departments – where required Managing lodge processes, staff scheduling and monitoring thereof Conduct staff disciplinary meetings and carry out disciplinary procedures Assistance in management of salaries, provident fund, medical aid Update and maintain staff files Day-to-day staffing of Front of House (FOH) as per guest requirements* Identify staff training requirements and try find ways to empower staff within company structure to add value back into the company Play a strong role in contributing to the direction and culture of the organization Training, mentoring and monitoring od middle management Provide effective leadership through professional management and encouragement of all subordinates Demonstrate and promote flexibility and adaptability towards changing working hours and shifts according to the requirements of a 24-hour operation Communicate effectively, frequently and respectfully with all members of the organization/staff team Housekeeping and Maintaining of Corporate Identity – oversee this function Regular and thorough checks of rooms/units to ensure that housekeeping standards are maintained Log all guest complaints/suggestions regarding housekeeping and make changes accordingly Management of daily linen and laundry Housekeeping team management, allocation of duties and creation of schedules Ensure that all lodge areas – front and back of house (FOH/BOH) are always clean and organized and that all equipment/infrastructure is maintained and to standard Maintain the highest standards of housekeeping and maintenance and ensure that the style and design of the lodge is not eroded Guest relations Coordinate all guest events and daily lodge operations Be readily available to deal with guest queries and complaints Respond professionally to complaints – with a pleasant and helpful attitude Use feedback from complaints/conversations with guests as a learning experience and a platform for constructive discussion Drive and maintain superior levels of guest service and guest satisfaction Play a key role in interacting with guests regularly to ensure that all aspects of a guests’ stay are being catered to All pertinent information relating to guest requests or complaints must be filtered to the relevant department heads timeously Marketing and Product Development Oversee the ongoing collection and creation of marketing material in the lodge – in all media forms Oversee quality and accuracy of outgoing marketing content from the lodge Continual checking of external booking platforms to ensure that the lodge receives notification and payments for bookings made via external platforms Continual checking of correct company information on third party websites to ensure accuracy and follow-through of referral bookings Continual monitoring of social media platforms for “false news” or negative feedback regarding the lodge/company Continual communication to the website host to ensure that website is updated continuously with relevant news/announcements/information Ensure that all signage on the property and surrounds is vivid and up to date with the correct information and recent content/photographs Formulate and network with neighboring lodges and tourism products to integrate the product into the local community and the national lodge/tourism industry Hosting and “selling” the lodge to travel and tour agents/operators Remain informed and on top of industry trends – monitor local and local competitors and come up with new marketing ideas to remain interesting and competitive Development of detailed guest programs and experiences together with owners – both in the lodge and bush utilizing all venues Retail Must be able to identify the “state of the shop” – whether it needs more stock/less stock/re-organizing and make suggestions accordingly Put systems in place to prevent breakages/damaging/theft of stock Monitor/take cognizance of turnovers and buying trends in the shop Control and drive shop sales Control and continually evaluate pricing of goods and services in the lodge to remain competitive Maintain full responsibility for the retail stock in the store – including costs, stores, losses, inconsistencies and expired stock items Ensure the Point of Sale (POS) is operated efficiently Conduct midmonth and month end stock takes to ensure requisition procedures are strictly followed according to par levels and company standards, ensuring accuracy Ensure that necessary stocks are ordered and on hand at the right quality and quantity according to company standards Stock choices and supplier choices and strategies and guidelines of stock levels are predetermined by buyer. Key performance areas for which General Manager is responsible are to maintain stock levels/displays instituted and the driving of sales. Qualifications Relevant Hospitality Management qualification advantageous. Skills Must have at least 5 years’ GM experience in a 5 star game lodge. Ability to fine tune standards to 5 star. Strategic and corporate minded. Ability to mentor staff and upskill them. Drive revenue. Ensure top notch guest satisfaction. Benefits Accommodation