Hoedspruit: Assistant Lodge Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Assistant Lodge Manager Luxury Safari Camp | Hoedspruit

Salary: R38,000 R40,000
Live-in Position

Kendrick Recruitment is currently 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:

Acting Leadership
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
Oversee pest control

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

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, guest-focused and passionate about hospitality within a luxury safari environment. You will be a natural leader with strong administrative ability, maintenance knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for staff motivation and development.

Leadership
Strong leadership and mentoring skills
Ability to inspire, empower and develop teams
Strong management and problem-solving skills

Personality
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Positive, self-motivated and confident
Sense of humour and adventure

Specific Job Skills
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

Computer & Administrative Skills
Computer literate with strong IT skills
Fluent in English (spoken and written)
Excellent literacy and email communication skills

Team Player Attributes
Flexible and adaptable
Strong time-management skills
Demonstrable team player qualities

Qualifications & Experience Required
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

If you are a high-energy hospitality professional ready to take the next step in your luxury safari career, this opportunity offers the perfect platform to grow within a leading lodge environment.