Port Elizabeth: General Lodge Manager posted by Bushwise

About the Role

Bushwise is seeking an experienced General Lodge Manager to lead our properties in Port Elizabeth. As a key member of our management team, you will be responsible for implementing operational strategies that align with our company goals, ensuring optimal property performance and guest satisfaction. You will foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and innovation among on-site teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement operational strategies that align with the Company’s goals, ensuring optimal property performance and Guest satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and innovation among on-site teams.
• 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.
• Manage the daily operations of assigned properties, including check-ins, housekeeping, maintenance, and common area management.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and the Company’s operational standards.
• Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and complaints.
• 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.
• Manage budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and identify areas for improvement without compromising quality or service standards.

Requirements

• 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.