Hoedspruit: Assistant Lodge Manager – Luxury Safari Camp – Hoedspruit | Lb posted by HotelJobs

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Lodge Manager for a luxury safari camp based in Hoedspruit. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic hospitality professional who is passionate about guest delight, strong team leadership, and delivering a world-class safari experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Lodge Manager in the absence of the Lodge Manager
• Take full responsibility for managing multiple lodge departments
• Front of House: Inspire, stimulate and lead the FOH team; Maintain the Pan FOH system; Oversee day sheets, rooming lists and arrival reports; Supervise reception, curio shop and switchboard operations; Manage banking, invoices and gratuities; Welcome and bid farewell to guests; Conduct site inspections and ensure show time standards; Manage guest feedback via the Centricity Feedback system
• Housekeeping: Inspire, stimulate and lead the Housekeeping team; Maintain exceptional housekeeping standards; Conduct spot checks of rooms and turndowns; Manage staff uniform control
• Lodge Maintenance: Inspire, stimulate and lead the Maintenance team; Control and supervise maintenance operations; Work closely with the Reserve Maintenance Manager; Oversee preventative maintenance schedules; Supervise staff accommodation upkeep; Ensure knowledge and oversight of building maintenance, refrigeration, electrical systems, air conditioners, gardening, pool care, firefighting equipment and vehicles
• Health & Safety: Work closely with the Reserve Security Manager on lodge Health & Safety; Head up the Lodge Health & Safety Committee; Conduct lodge risk assessments; Oversee firefighting equipment and drills; Ensure a safe working environment for all staff
• Finance & Budgeting: Compile monthly reports; Participate in the annual budgeting process; Manage budget lines and control expenditure; Attend and contribute to monthly finance meetings
• Human Resources & Team Development: Staff development and training; Overall staff management, welfare and morale; Inspire and lead the team while maintaining discipline; Manage leave cycles and training files; Maintain positive relationships with the local community, owners and suppliers
• Guest Experience & Operations: Knowledge of food & beverage operations; Host guests and assist with bush banqueting experiences; Address and resolve negative guest feedback promptly; Assist Head Ranger / Senior Ranger team with vehicle inspections; Join safari activities to ensure exceptional safari delivery

Requirements

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Ability to inspire, empower and develop teams
• Strong management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive, self-motivated and confident
• Sense of humour and adventure
• Practical maintenance understanding
• Competent financial and IT skills
• Strong planning and organising ability
• Appreciation of diverse cultures
• Ability to introduce innovative ideas

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years management experience in a 5-star boutique lodge or Big 5 reserve environment
• Hospitality Management qualification
• Strong operational and financial experience
• High emotional intelligence
• Hospitality and service training experience
• Room Division experience
• Practical maintenance experience
• Valid drivers licence and own reliable transport

Salary & Benefits

Salary: R38,000 – R40,000 per annum (live-in position)