South Africa: Management Couple – Sj25o13 posted by Safari JOBS Ltd

Nestled within the scenic northern reaches of Limpopo, adjacent to one of South Africa’s most established Big Five reserves, this boutique game lodge presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Management Couple to lead the preparation, opening, and ongoing operation of a beautiful 4* service level, 8 room property. The lodge is currently undergoing remodelling ahead of its reopening in 2026 and will welcome international guests for exclusive seven-night fixed stay experiences, arranged through its European owned agency. Ideally, the couple would comprise a qualified Guide (relief) and a skilled Head Chef (relief) – a professional, welcoming, and self-sufficient team adept at recruiting, training, and leading a small staff complement of approximately 13, with warmth, efficiency, and creativity. Although appointed as the lodge’s Management Couple, the role is not purely administrative. Approximately 25% of responsibilities will involve management and administration, while the remaining 75% will be hands-on and operational, with both partners actively involved in daily lodge life. Together, they will oversee the team and ensure exceptional guest satisfaction. Beyond the daily running of the lodge, the couple will play an energetic, hands-on role in driving on-site key revenue generators such as bar sales (inc. preparing and serving a variety of beverages, including cocktails etc.), additional game drives and other activities that enhance each stay. Fluency in Afrikaans is a non-negotiable requirement – packages are sold with the assurance that guests will be able to communicate in their own language (Flemish) while on site. The ideal applicants will be professional, proactive and committed for the long term, bringing an entrepreneurial flair, with the ability to subtly drive revenue through refined upselling and exceptional guest engagement. The successful couple will commence in January 2026, taking the lead in staff recruitment and pre-opening preparations. By mid-March 2026, the full team will be recruited and trained accordingly, with the lodge’s official opening scheduled for mid-April 2026 to guest groups of 16 per stay. , & -, & ( & ), – & , & . / Clear criminal record. Excellent employment track record – references will be checked. Valid driver’s licence / PrDP and own reliable vehicle. Fluent in both Afrikaans and English, written and verbal – non-negotiable. South African citizens / candidates with valid work authorisation. 3 – 5 years’ lodge/hospitality proven management experience at a commercial property (min 10 beds). National senior certificate and accompanying hospitality related qualifications. Preferably a qualified Guide and Chef couple, alternatively: Guide & Maintenance-Handyman, Guide & Spa Therapist (if also capable in management & hosting), Maintenance-Handyman & Chef, or Guide & Front of House may also apply. Guide: Preferably FGASA Trails Guide, but not compulsory. / / Professional, Proactive, Sales-oriented approach – able to proactively generate extra income, Hands-on, flexible, and solutions-driven, Strong HR, staff oversight, and conflict resolution ability, Guest hosting skills, Long-term stability and commitment, Excellent written reporting skills (in English), Staff recruitment and training experience, Strong computer literacy and administrative ability. / (% ): Responsible for a staff compliment of approximately 13 including Guide, Head Chef, Intern Chef (staff meals), FOH Manager, Butlers, Housekeeper-Spa Therapists, Farm Foreman and Farm Workers. Manage procurement, stock, and operational supplies. Handle staff management, recruitment, training, working hours, leave and rotation schedules, and HR issues. Reporting on budgets, incidents, and operational updates to your direct superior, who holds overall responsibility for financial management, budget analysis, and operational oversight. (% ): Partner 1: If a Guide – 3 drives per day / also able to cover when resident Guide is off/ill Maintenance Oversight: Ensure lodge and grounds upkeep in coordination with the farm foreman. Partner 2: If a Chef – Able to run kitchen fully when Head Chef is off/ill – managing kitchen service: buffet breakfast, light lunch, plated/buffet dinner for 16) Support FOH team with hosting, bar service, cocktail and other beverage preparation, and upselling extras. Ensure lodge runs smoothly during daily service and staff leave rotations. – , , ’ . / / Salary: R40 – R50, 000.00 per month, neg. DOE. Gratuities: Shared gratuity pool, unless a guest specifically allocates a tip to an individual. Manager (when guiding): Direct gratuities – only if choosing not to share in std. pooled tips of week. Meals: Provided, 2 per day. Live-In Accommodation: 2 bedroom house within close proximity of the lodge. Vehicle: Shared for work purposes only. Utilities: Water, electricity and Wi-Fi. Uniform: Provided, excluding footwear. Laundry: Facility available – self-service basis. Pets: No cats, other small animals can be discussed. Work Cycle: 6 consecutive days off per calendar month. Ideally falling within the same week every calendar month, however, if there are issues in the operation this week can shift in the month. Plus 15 days leave per annum. Must have access to Zoom for the initial interview – those who progress beyond this stage will be invited for an in-person interview at the property. Must be willing to complete a mandatory character and personality assessment during the interview stage. Must be willing to undergo a polygraph examination prior to final appointment. TO APPLY Please submit your CV through this platform. VERY NB REGARDING YOUR CV PLEASE – It must be in an editable Word or PDF format only (no scanned copies); Must be fully updated as of this month, 2025 Include a RECENT head & shoulders photo; Clearly list all employment dates for each employer (month & year to month & year); Provide contactable references for all positions held in the last 10 years. In ADDITION , please keep the following supporting documents ready to send promptly, IF REQUESTED , after receipt of your CV: 1. Written reference letters (if available), 2. Relevant qualification copies; 3. Driver’s Licence and/or PrDP; 4. ID/Passport; 5. Valid work permit/visa (if applicable). FIELD / TRAILS GUIDES would also submit the following of what is relevant (if requested): FGASA, CATHSETTA, NDT front and back, First Aid, screenshot that current FGASA membership is valid and up to date, SAPS competency cert. (if you have), Rifle proficiency / unit standard certificates etc. CHEFS would also submit the following (if requested): Summary food portfolio – OWN BEST plated 6 starters, 6 mains & 6 desserts. Safari JOBS thanks you in advance for applying for this vacancy. Should you not hear from us within 7 working days please kindly consider your application unsuccessful for this particular position. We encourage you to keep an eye on this platform & our other social media pages for future opportunities that may align with your skills and interests.