Cape Town: Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Kendrick Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager on behalf of a luxury 5-star lodge located in Limpopo. The successful candidate will be based in Cape Town, working closely with the lodges operational and reservations teams.

This role is suited to a commercially driven hospitality professional with strong experience in revenue management, travel trade sales, and digital marketing within the luxury tourism or safari sector.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Management

• Develop and implement pricing and yield strategies to optimise occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR in line with seasonal trends and demand

• Monitor booking patterns, competitor performance, and market demand to proactively adjust strategies

• Manage distribution channels, ensuring rate parity and maximising direct bookings

• Produce monthly performance and forecasting reports, highlighting revenue opportunities

• Collaborate with reservations to refine booking procedures and enhance guest conversion through the use of AI

Travel & Trade Sales

• Build and maintain strong relationships with travel trade partners, including tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, and luxury safari specialists

• Represent the lodge at trade shows, roadshows, and online travel platforms

• Negotiate rates and packages with domestic and international operators

• Identify new market opportunities within niche segments such as honeymoon travel, conservation tourism, small groups, and exclusive-use bookings

• Conduct market visits, property tours, and partner engagements to strengthen brand presence

Digital Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Design and execute targeted digital campaigns across Google Ads, Meta Ads, and email marketing

• Oversee the lodges online presence, including website performance, SEO, and brand storytelling content

• Manage social media channels to authentically showcase wildlife experiences, conservation initiatives, and guest stories

• Track and analyse marketing performance, ensuring strong ROI and engagement

• Collaborate with photographers, content creators, and PR partners to position the lodge as a leading safari destination

Qualifications

• 58+ years experience in hospitality revenue management, travel trade sales, or digital marketing

• Experience within the luxury lodge or safari sector is highly advantageous

• Strong understanding of tourism distribution systems, OTAs, and travel trade partnerships

• Experience with Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, OTA Insight, PMS, CRS, and sales reporting tools

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong brand storytelling ability

• Passion for nature-based tourism, conservation, and authentic guest experiences

Key Competencies

• Analytical, strategic, and commercial mindset with strong negotiation skills

• Data-driven approach with a clear understanding of performance metrics

• Creative thinking in marketing and content development

• Understanding of high-end hospitality and guest expectations in a safari setting

• Ability to balance revenue objectives with brand integrity and guest satisfaction

• Team-oriented, adaptable, and proactive within a remote lodge environment

• Strong multitasking and relationship management skills

Performance Indicators

• Growth in total room and package revenue, including RevPAR and ADR

• Increase in direct bookings versus OTA contribution

• Expansion of trade partnerships and repeat business from key agents

• Improved digital engagement metrics and campaign ROI

• Consistent brand representation across all online and offline channels

Candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment for consideration.