Grahamstown: Head guide posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Position Overview

The Head Guide is responsible for overseeing all guiding activities, ensuring guests receive personalised, professional, and memorable nature experiences. The role involves managing and mentoring guides, maintaining operational standards, and upholding the highest levels of service and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the guiding team, providing mentorship, support, and training.

• Deliver guided nature experiences with exceptional attention to detail, knowledge, and guest engagement.

• Ensure all activities adhere to safety protocols and operational standards.

• Maintain effective communication with lodge management regarding guest needs, guiding operations, and staff performance.

• Schedule and coordinate guiding activities, ensuring smooth operations and high guest satisfaction.

• Foster a team culture focused on excellence, professionalism, and 5-star service delivery.

• Monitor and maintain guiding equipment and vehicles to lodge standards.

• Provide input into guest experience planning, including itineraries and personalised activities.

Requirements & Competencies

• Proven experience as a Head Guide or Senior Field Guide in a luxury hospitality or lodge environment.

• Exceptional knowledge of flora, fauna, ecology, and local wildlife.

• Ability to speak and understand English fluently; additional languages an advantage.

• Strong leadership, organisational, and team management skills.

• Exceptional guest service and interpersonal skills, with a 5-star service mindset.

• Ability to work in a remote environment and handle the physical demands of guiding.

• Live-in required, with medical benefits included.

Working Schedule & Conditions

• 11 days on, 3 days off roster.

• Lodge-based with live-in accommodation provided.

• Remote forest reserve location with limited access to town facilities.

Package

• Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.

• Accommodation: Live-in provided with medical benefits.