South Africa: Meeting and Events Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Meetings & Events Manager Luxury Private Nature Reserve | Bela Bela
Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Meetings & Events Manager to join a luxury private nature reserve in the Bela Bela area. This senior position requires a highly organised, proactive and detail-driven professional with strong operational understanding and the ability to deliver seamless, five-star group experiences.

Position Overview

The Meetings & Events Manager will oversee the full reservations and planning process for all group bookings. This includes ensuring clear communication between clients and the property, designing detailed itineraries, coordinating operational requirements and maintaining exceptional service standards. The ideal candidate will be confident in managing complex itineraries, multiple stakeholder needs and high-end clientele.

Key Responsibilities

Event and Group Booking Process

• Manage all event and group enquiries via email correspondence.

• Design comprehensive event itineraries tailored to guest requirements and operational guidelines.

• Prepare event quotations and contracts.

• Maintain accurate documentation, records and filing systems.

• Use OPERA for reservations, block management, billing and room allocations.

• Oversee invoicing and ensure accurate financial reconciliation after each event.

• Plan arrival and departure processes, ensuring seamless logistics, clear rooming lists and operationally viable group itineraries.

Revenue and Sales Support

• Maximise revenue through upselling, yield management and accurate forecasting.

• Work closely with the Sales team on packages, rates and event proposals.

• Assist with budgeting for annual groups and events planning.

Client Relationship Management and Site Inspections

• Act as the primary point of contact for event planners and group organisers.

• Conduct professional site inspections and assist with proposals and quotations.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with agents, tour operators and corporate clients.

• Provide excellent pre-arrival communication and support.

• Check in with organisers during on-site visits and assist with real-time issue resolution in collaboration with lodge management.

Operational Delivery

• Hand over complete event logistics to the Management team, ensuring all departments (Front Office, Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Safari, Maintenance) are fully aligned and prepared.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Minimum 5 years experience in groups or events management within a luxury lodge, hotel or hospitality environment.

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Proven ability to manage complex itineraries, multi-day events and VIP guest requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• OPERA PMS knowledge is highly advantageous.

• Professional, calm and solutions-driven approach.

• Strong leadership and cross-department coordination ability.

Qualifications

• Hospitality, Tourism or Events Management qualification preferred.

• Valid drivers licence required.

• Experience in a game reserve or remote lodge environment is beneficial.

Package

• Salary: R25,000, negotiable dependent on experience.