Graaff-Reinet: General Manager, Luxury Lodge, Eastern Cape posted by Cedrus Libani Recruitment Agency Ltd

GENERAL MANAGER, LUXURY LODGE, EASTERN CAPE The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, financial sustainability, and strategic direction of the game reserve. This role ensures the seamless integration of conservation, hospitality, guest experience, and commercial objectives while upholding the reserve’s brand, values, and long-term vision. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Operational Leadership Provide overall leadership and direction for all reserve and lodge operations Translate the owners’ vision into clear operational and strategic plans Drive operational excellence across hospitality, conservation, maintenance, and administration Ensure consistent delivery of a high-end guest experience Oversee risk management, compliance, and governance Financial & Commercial Management Develop, manage, and control annual budgets and forecasts Monitor revenue performance, cost control, and profitability Identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and sustainability Approve major expenditure and capital projects Ensure accurate financial reporting and controls Conservation & Sustainability Oversight Provide oversight of conservation strategy, wildlife management, and environmental compliance Ensure alignment between conservation priorities and guest experience Support sustainable land-use practices and long-term ecological health Engage with conservation authorities, specialists, and industry bodies People & Culture Management Lead, manage, and develop the senior management and operational teams Build a high-performance culture aligned with the reserve’s values Ensure effective workforce planning, performance management, and succession planning Maintain positive employee relations and compliance with labour legislation Champion staff engagement, wellbeing, and professional development Guest Experience & Brand Representation Act as an ambassador for the reserve and its brand Ensure exceptional guest satisfaction and service standards Handle high-level guest interactions, feedback, and complaints Oversee brand consistency across guest touchpoints, marketing, and communications Stakeholder & Community Engagement Build strong relationships with owners, local communities, suppliers, and authorities Represent the reserve in industry forums and partnerships Support community upliftment and responsible tourism initiatives Maintain positive relationships with neighbours and regional stakeholders Minimum Requirements Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Management, Conservation Management, or similar Minimum 8–10 years’ senior management experience in luxury hospitality, reserves, or remote operations Proven experience managing complex operations and multidisciplinary teams Strong financial management and commercial acumen Sound knowledge of labour legislation, health & safety, and regulatory compliance Valid driver’s licence Skills & Competencies Strategic thinking with strong execution capability Exceptional leadership and people management skills Financial and analytical strength High emotional intelligence and communication skills Ability to balance conservation, guest experience, and commercial realities Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities Personal Attributes Professional, credible, and values-driven Resilient and adaptable to remote or high-pressure environments Hands-on leadership style with a big-picture mindset Passionate about conservation, hospitality, and sustainable tourism