OPERATIONS MANAGER, LUXURY LODGE, LIMPOPO The Operations Manager is responsible for the seamless day-to-day operation of a luxury safari lodge, ensuring world-class guest experiences, exceptional service standards, and strong operational discipline. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Operations Manager partners closely with the General Manager and assumes full operational oversight and ambassadorial responsibility in the GMs absence. This role requires a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, safari lodge operations, and remote destination managementsomeone who leads with presence, precision, and genuine care for guests, staff, and the environment. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Culture Act as a senior leader within the lodge, providing visible, calm, and confident leadership across all departments. Foster a high-performance culture rooted in respect, accountability, warmth, and pride in service excellence. Mentor and develop Heads of Department, driving consistency, empowerment, and professional growth. Lead structured and disciplined HOD meetings to ensure alignment, clear communication, and follow-through. Step in as the operational and guest-facing lead when the General Manager is off-site. Luxury Guest Experience Ensure every guest journey reflects the lodges luxury positioningfrom arrival through departure. Maintain exceptional standards of personalised service, attention to detail, and anticipatory guest care. Proactively engage with guests to gather feedback, resolve issues swiftly, and create memorable safari experiences. Act as a visible host and brand ambassador for the lodge. Operational Excellence & Compliance Oversee all lodge operations, ensuring SOPs are implemented consistently across departments. Conduct regular and ad hoc SOP, hygiene, safety, and service audits to uphold luxury and compliance standards. Maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring daily safety management practices are adhered to. Ensure smooth interdepartmental coordination in a remote lodge environment. Training & Development Build a strong learning culture by supporting HODs in identifying training priorities and development opportunities. Ensure staff are well-trained in luxury service delivery, guest engagement, and brand standards. Promote continuous improvement through coaching, feedback, and on-the-job development. Maintenance & Asset Care Work closely with the General Manager and property stakeholders to plan, prioritise, and track maintenance projects. Oversee preventative maintenance schedules to protect lodge assets and ensure the property always remains pristine. Ensure rapid response to operational and infrastructure issues typical of remote safari environments. Food & Beverage Oversight Partner with the Food & Beverage team and Culinary leadership to ensure exceptional food quality and service presentation. Monitor operational costs, wastage, and efficiencies while maintaining a luxury dining experience. Ensure F&B offerings align with guest expectations and the lodges positioning. Sales & Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to support site inspections and familiarisation visits. Represent the lodge professionally to travel partners, owners, and other stakeholders. Reporting & Administration Compile and submit a monthly executive lodge report, covering operations, guest feedback, risks, and priorities. Ensure accurate completion of daily safety culture management checklists. Provide operational insights and data to support business decisions. Requirements & Competencies Experience & Qualifications Proven experience in luxury hospitality operations, preferably within safari lodges or remote destinations . Proven experience in a senior operational or lodge management role . Hospitality qualification or equivalent operational experience (advantageous). Technical & Operational Skills Strong understanding of luxury service standards ; guest experience design, and personalised hosting. Solid operational knowledge across F&B; housekeeping, maintenance, and front-of-house . Experience managing operations in remote or wilderness environments . Financial and cost-awareness, particularly in F&B and operational controls. Leadership & Personal Attributes Warm; confident, and professional leadership style with strong emotional intelligence. Highly guest-centric with a natural hosting presence. Detail-oriented with the ability to balance luxury standards and operational efficiency. Calm under pressure, adaptable, and solutions focused. Passion for conservation, nature, and safari hospitality. Additional Requirements Willingness to live on-site in a remote lodge environment. Flexible working hours, including weekends and public holidays. Strong communication skills and ability to engage with international guests and stakeholders.
