Ehlanzeni: Operations Manager | Luxury Safari Lodge | Sabi Sands | S posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Operations Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge | Sabi Sands Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an Operations Manager for a luxury safari lodge in Sabi Sands. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established property where you will contribute to maintaining exceptional standards and ensuring memorable guest experiences. Requirements: • Minimum 5 years’ experience in hospitality operations management, preferably in luxury lodges or hotels • Proven leadership and team development skills • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and inventory control • Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills • Commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences • Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management or related field preferred • Knowledge of compliance, health & safety, and labour regulations in hospitality Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Departmental Oversight • Support the General Manager in all operational matters and assume full responsibility in their absence • Oversee guest-facing departments including Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guides, Maintenance, and Reservations • Ensure high standards of service, safety, and guest satisfaction • Monitor daily operations and proactively resolve issues • Support Heads of Department in achieving operational, financial, and service objectives Financial Management & Performance • Collaborate with the Financial Controller to manage budgets, monitor performance, and implement cost-control measures • Oversee inventory management, procurement, and revenue generation • Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance • Drive initiatives to maximise profitability while maintaining quality and guest experience Human Resources & Staff Development • Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training in partnership with HR • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture • Champion staff welfare, engagement, and retention • Oversee compliance with labour laws, disciplinary actions, and HR policies Guest Experience & Service Excellence • Act as a key point of contact for guest feedback and special requests • Collaborate to enhance guest offerings, amenities, and activities • Provide hands-on leadership to guest services teams to maintain luxury standards Strategic Planning & Reporting • Contribute to lodge strategic planning and execution • Provide operational performance reports to senior management • Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across departments Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement • Work closely with General Manager, Lodge Manager, Financial Controller, HR, and support teams • Facilitate effective interdepartmental communication • Represent the lodge in meetings, audits, and external engagements as required Package: • Salary: Negotiable depending on experience • Live-in position To apply for the Operations Manager role, please send your updated CV, reference letters, qualifications, and a recent head & shoulders photo. Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who meet the listed requirements will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.