Hoedspruit: Assistant Lodge Manager

About the Role

The Assistant Lodge Manager position at Kapama Southern Camp is a critical role that requires exceptional leadership, administrative, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, passionate about guest delight, and enjoy staff interaction. They must also possess strong management skills, problem-solving abilities, and a positive attitude.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Acting Lodge Manager in the absence of the LM.
• Take full responsibility for the management of the following teams:
• Front of House: lead the FOH team, maintain the Pan FOH system, manage day sheets/rooming list/arrival reports, reception, curio shop and switch board, banking, invoices and gratuities, welcome & goodbye, site inspections, guest feedback centricity feedback system.
• Lead the Housekeeping team, maintaining housekeeping standards within the Lodge, conducting spot checks of rooms and turndowns, staff uniform control, and lodge maintenance.
• Control and supervise the Lodge Maintenance teams, working closely with the Kapama Game Reserve Maintenance Manager on preventative maintenance service schedules, staff accommodation, understanding of building, refrigeration, electricity, air conditioners, gardening, pool care, firefighting equipment & vehicles, pest control 2.
• Work closely with the Reserve Security Manager on the Health & Safety management of the Lodge, heading up the Lodge Health & Safety committee, conducting risk assessments for the Lodge, providing a safe working environment for all staff.
• Manage finance and budgeting, including compiling monthly reports, participating in the budget process, managing budget lines, budget expenditure & control, monthly finance meeting.
• Lead the Kapama team, inspiring, stimulating, and motivating staff to perform their duties to the best of their ability, maintaining discipline, managing leave cycles and training files, knowledge of food & beverage, hosting of guest, ensuring negative guest feedback is addressed and solutions found.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (listening skills, verbal communication).
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, confident, sense of humour, sense of adventure.
• Strong people skills.
• Structured manager with experience of leading diverse teams.
• Energetic, proactive person with well-developed concept of the importance of providing a world-class guest experience.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Practical with some experience in maintenance.
• Competent financial and IT skills.
• High energy levels & drive to get things done.
• Planning & organizing.
• An appreciation of other cultures.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years Management experience in a 5 star boutique operation or Big 5 reserve within a similar lodge environment.
• Hospitality management qualification.
• Strong Operational and Financial experience.
• High Emotional Intelligence.
• Hospitality and service training experience.
• Room Division Experience.
• Valid drivers license and own transport.

Salary & Benefits

• Monthly package negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.
• Live-in position with meals on duty.
• Pension fund.
• Staff Lodge nights.
• Work cycle 21 days 7 days off.
• Annual leave 15 days.