Port Elizabeth: General Lodge Manager posted by Bushwise

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Vision:

Implement operational strategies that align with the Companys goals, ensuring optimal property performance and Guest satisfaction. Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and innovation among on-site teams.

Financial Management:

Manage property-level budgets, controlling expenses while identifying revenue-generating opportunities. Support the achievement of free cash flow targets by optimising resources and managing costs.

Operational Oversight:

Manage the daily operations of assigned properties, including check-ins, housekeeping, maintenance, and common area management. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and the Companys operational standards. Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and complaints.

Team Development:

Lead, mentor, and evaluate operational staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Implement training programs to enhance staff capabilities, focusing on service excellence and problem-solving.

Resource Optimisation:

Manage budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and identify areas for improvement without compromising quality or service standards.

Experience & Qualification

Experience

• 5 10+ years of hospitality leadership experience, with at least 35 years in a General Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Property Manager role
• Proven experience managing short-term rentals, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, or mixed-use hospitality properties
• Strong background in end-to-end operations, including:
• Front office & guest services
• Housekeeping & maintenance
• Vendor and contractor management
• Inventory and asset control
• Demonstrated success in revenue management, including pricing strategies, occupancy optimization, and channel management (OTAs such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, etc.)
• Experience leading multi-property portfolios or high-volume unit counts is highly preferred
• Track record of delivering exceptional guest satisfaction scores and online reviews
• Experience managing P&L, budgets, cost controls, and financial reporting
• Familiarity with property management systems (PMS), dynamic pricing tools, and automation platforms
• Experience with local regulations, licensing, and compliance for short-term rentals

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with experience hiring, training, and motivating teams
• Excellent guest-experience mindset with a hands-on, problem-solving approach
• Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, 24/7 hospitality environment
• High level of organization, adaptability, and attention to detail
• Tech-savvy and comfortable implementing systems, SOPs, and process improvements
• Knowledge of health & safety standards and risk management
• Multilingual skills are a plus, depending on market