Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lodge Manager for a prestigious luxury river lodge located in Gravelotte. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills and a passion for hospitality to manage the day-to-day operations of the lodge and provide exceptional experiences for guests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Reports:

  • Head of Housekeeping

  • Food and Beverage Supervisor/Executive Chef

  • Lodge Maintenance

  • Guest Activities

• Financial Management:

  • Conduct monthly reviews of management accounts and report on variances to the Financial Manager.

  • Oversee stock controls, working with relevant HODs to conduct regular and random stock takes, reporting any variances.

• Operations Management:

  • Lead daily operations meetings with all HODs, covering key items such as rooming lists, guest check-ins/outs, maintenance issues, meal planning, weather conditions, and more.

  • Ensure that guest requirements and special requests are met.

• Guest Interaction:

  • Personally meet all arriving, staying, and departing guests to ensure exceptional service.

  • Plan and coordinate VIP/CIP arrangements with relevant staff.

• Staff Training and Development:

  • Plan and execute new staff training programmes and refresher courses for existing staff.

  • Identify potential staff for upskilling or promotion.

  • Develop and implement ongoing staff motivation and recognition programmes.

• Food and Beverage Management:

  • Work closely with the Executive Chef on weekly menu planning, considering special dietary requirements and seasonal changes.

  • Manage stock takes for both wet, dry, and liquor storerooms.

  • Regularly meet suppliers and explore alternatives for better quality and cost.

• Lodge Maintenance:

  • Conduct weekly lodge inspections with Housekeeping and Maintenance to ensure the interiors, exteriors, and back of house areas meet high standards.

  • Work with the Maintenance Manager to ensure all equipment, including firefighting tools, is in serviceable condition.

  • Oversee monthly checks of all lodge equipment.

• Housekeeping Oversight:

  • Conduct daily room checks and weekly inspections of back-of-house and public areas.

  • Oversee stock control for consumables, linen, guest amenities, and equipment.

• Guest Activities and Staff Management:

  • Daily interaction with guides to plan activities for incoming guests.

  • Monitor staff training in areas such as First Aid, firefighting, vehicle handling, and bush knowledge.

  • Ensure that vehicles are in top condition and have all necessary safety and guest comfort equipment.

• Sales and Marketing:

  • Regular interaction with the marketing team to ensure lodge visibility and engagement.

  • Monitor social media platforms and collaborate on marketing strategies.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in managing a luxury hospitality operation.

• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

• Previous experience in lodge management, preferably within a luxury setting.

• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain high standards of service.

• A hands-on, proactive approach to managing both guest and operational needs.

• Experience in budget management, stock control, and staff development.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and leading a dynamic team in a luxury river lodge setting, this is the ideal role for you.