Limpopo: Reserve Manager (Salary Neg) posted by Cedar Wood Recruitment

JOB TITLE: Reserve Manager required (salary neg). DEPARTMENT: Management JOB PURPOSE To oversee the comprehensive management and operations of a private game reserve, ensuring exceptional standards in maintenance, financial oversight, guest experience, ecosystem conservation, and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on sustainable management of the reserve as a premier wildlife and tourism destination, delivering high-quality operations while maintaining the natural environment and supporting owner and guest satisfaction. SCOPE The Reserve Manager is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic leadership of the reserve, including infrastructure maintenance, financial management, staff leadership, conservation practices, relations. The role involves regular interaction with owners, suppliers, contractors, regulatory authorities, and local communities to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and the preservation of the reserve’s natural beauty and biodiversity. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 Financial Management – Develop and manage short- and long-term capital and operating budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations. – Monitor financial performance, analyze data, and implement measures to optimize efficiency. – Control operational expenses and maintain accurate records. – Oversee collection of association fees from owners and ensure timely processing. – Manage association insurance policies, renewals, and claims. – Oversee fuel storage, distribution, and inventory to ensure adequate daily supply. 3.2 Personnel Management – Lead recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of reserve staff. – Maintain staff contracts, job descriptions, timesheets, leave records, and conduct regular performance appraisals. – Ensure high standards of work performance in line with job descriptions and key performance indicators. – Oversee contractor selection, contract negotiation, and quality assurance. – Administer disciplinary procedures in compliance with relevant labour legislation. – Ensure staff wear issued uniforms and PPE, and hold valid driver’s licenses (including professional driving permits where required) for reserve vehicles. 3.3 Infrastructure, Equipment, and Maintenance – Oversee maintenance and repair of all reserve infrastructure, including buildings, roads, fences, water and electricity reticulation, sewerage systems, and vehicles. – Ensure all equipment, tools, and vehicles are secure, well-maintained, and compliant with safety standards. – Maintain roads, fences, gates, and public areas (e.g., viewing hides, dams) to agreed specifications and ensure they are clean and presentable. – Monitor water, electricity, and sewerage systems, addressing issues promptly. – Advise on road suitability for game viewing during adverse weather. 3.4 Strategic Planning and Development – Recommend strategic improvements based on market trends, guest feedback, sustainability best practices, and conservation priorities. 3.5 Communication Relations – Maintain timely and professional communication with owners. – Liaise with relevant regulatory authorities on matters such as fencing, security, rules, and conservation compliance. – Build positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders. 3.6 Purchasing and Inventory – Procure supplies and equipment efficiently. – Manage inventory to prevent shortages or wastage. 3.7 Compliance and Regulatory Affairs – Ensure full compliance with reserve rules, environmental authorizations, and applicable local, provincial, and national legislation. – Enforce reserve rules consistently, conduct property inspections, issue violation notices, and resolve disputes. – Monitor contractors to ensure adherence to building guidelines. – Maintain accurate association records and governing documents. – Conduct regular safety inspections and audits. 3.8 Ecosystem and Conservation Management – Implement sustainable conservation practices, including biodiversity monitoring, invasive species control, and management of watering points. – Ensure compliance with the reserve’s environmental management plan. – Address wildlife-related issues in collaboration with relevant authorities. – Promote use of indigenous flora in lodge gardens and overall environmental stewardship. 3.9 Emergency Response and Risk Management – Develop and maintain emergency response plans for fires, natural disasters, and other incidents. – Oversee firebreak implementation, firefighting equipment maintenance, and staff training drills. – Assist in wildfire suppression and risk mitigation. 3.10 Safety and Security – Oversee security systems, access control, and monitoring equipment (e.g., camera traps). 3.11 Field Guide Management – Provide operational oversight of lodge field guides in collaboration with the responsible director. – Maintain and enforce an up-to-date Guide Handbook covering protocols, code of conduct, and legal requirements. – Promote a professional and ethical guiding culture through accountability, regular meetings, and disciplinary processes. – Oversee guide selection, induction, training, and compliance with qualifications (e.g., professional registrations, first aid, driver permits). – Manage freelance guides and ensure all guides adhere to uniform standards and reserve rules. 3.12 Reporting – Maintain accurate records of operations, finances, inventory, and incidents. – Prepare and submit monthly reports, including: – Water and electricity meter readings and charges – Fuel usage and charges – Staff transport records – Gate fees and occupancy data – Financial summaries 3.13 General Duties – Lead special projects as directed by the Board. – Ensure gate operations follow established policies. – Assist with any reasonable additional duties, including outside normal hours when required. 4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES Qualifications – Bachelor’s degree or diploma in conservation, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related field. – Relevant certifications in conservation, safety, and management fields highly advantageous. Experience – Minimum 5 years in a senior management role within a wildlife reserve or similar conservation environment. – Proven expertise in wildlife area management, financial administration, and infrastructure maintenance. – Practical knowledge and hands-on experience in: – Electrical systems (installation, fault-finding, maintenance) – Plumbing and high-pressure pipelines – Generators, fencing (including electric game fencing), sewerage systems – Vehicle and equipment mechanics (light/heavy vehicles, earth-moving equipment) – Borehole installation and maintenance – Building/construction and roadworks – Welding, invasive species control, firefighting, and problem animal management – Proficiency in firearms handling. Competencies – Physically fit and able to work in all weather conditions. – Willingness to work flexible, long hours (including weekends and emergencies). – Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. – Excellent computer literacy and administrative ability. – Fluent in English; additional languages advantageous. – Valid driver’s license and professional driving permit. – South African citizen or permanent resident with recent police clearance. – In-depth understanding of owners’ association governance. – Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Please forward applications to cam@Apply Below