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

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Lodge Manager for a luxury safari camp based in Hoedspruit. As a dynamic hospitality professional, you will be 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
• Inspire, stimulate and lead the Front of House (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
• Inspire, stimulate and lead the Housekeeping team
• Maintain exceptional housekeeping standards
• Conduct spot checks of rooms and turndowns
• Manage staff uniform control
• 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
• Oversee pest control
• 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
• Compile monthly reports
• Participate in the annual budgeting process
• Manage budget lines and control expenditure
• Attend and contribute to monthly finance meetings
• 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
• 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
• Strong people management skills
• Experience leading diverse teams
• High standard of guest service delivery
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Practical maintenance understanding
• Competent financial and IT skills
• Strong planning and organising ability
• Appreciation of diverse cultures
• Ability to introduce innovative ideas

Qualifications

• Hospitality Management qualification (if applicable)

Salary & Benefits

Salary: R38,000 – R40,000