South Africa: Deputy Gm – Ultra-Luxury Lodge – Karoo, Western Cape | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Lodge-Based Role: Deputy General Manager – Ultra-Luxury Safari Game Reserve Location: Remote Big 5 Game Reserve, South Africa (Western/Northern region) Salary: Highly negotiable (based on experience; bonus buy-out possible for start before end of 2025) Accommodation / Meals: Live-in (on-site resident accommodation & meals provided) Work Cycle: 3 weeks on/1 week off Position Overview This is a leadership role at an ultra-luxury Big 5 game reserve seeking a Deputy General Manager who brings both operational excellence and refined guest-centric hospitality to the table. You will work closely with the General Manager to lead all operational departments and help shape the guest experience, brand reputation, team culture and financial performance of the lodge. The ideal candidate comes from a true five-star (or higher) luxury wilderness operation with a track record of leadership, service distinction and operational integrity. Candidates with frequent job-hopping or lack of stability will not meet the standard expected in this environment. Key Requirements Minimum 8 years’ experience in luxury hospitality (5★ lodge or resort environment), with at least 3–4 years in a senior leadership role such as Lodge Manager, Assistant GM, Deputy GM or equivalent. Proven experience managing multiple departments (Rooms, F&B, Guest Services, Activities, Maintenance) in a luxury safari lodge or high-end resort. Strong commercial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, cost control, revenue growth in a remote, high-cost base environment. Exceptional guest-relations skills: professional, presentable, confident, polished, proactive. Leadership & people-management: ability to develop, mentor and motivate senior teams; cultivate a culture of service excellence. Hands-on, operationally aware: able to step in, monitor and support in all guest-facing and back-of-house functions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; clear command of English (additional languages advantageous). Stable employment history (preference for candidates who have had meaningful tenures within luxury brands). Valid driver’s licence; willingness and ability to live in a remote safari setting with rotational schedule. Responsibilities Support the GM in all operational areas; act as Manager-on-Duty when required. Ensure seamless guest journey: arrivals, stays, departures, guest satisfaction metrics. Oversee departmental heads in Rooms, F&B, Activities/Guiding, Housekeeping, Maintenance and ensure standards exceed luxury benchmark. Drive financial performance: manage budgets, control cost lines, monitor P&L, implement improvement initiatives. Maintain service, presentation and operational standards in line with luxury brand identity. Recruit, train and develop senior staff; ensure staff welfare, engagement and performance measurement. Lead and manage special projects or pre-opening tasks if needed; ensure property readiness and continuous improvement. Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders: owners, community, conservation partners, regulators, key clients/agents. What’s on Offer A live-in, senior leadership role at a premium Big 5 safari game reserve in South Africa. Accommodation and meals included on-site. A highly negotiable salary reflective of your seniority, luxury background and leadership capabilities, plus a bonus buy-out option for candidates able to commit before December 2025 (proof of current bonus/13th cheque scheme required). An opportunity to contribute to and shape a high-end guest experience within a world-class wilderness offering. Grow and develop professionally within a dynamic and immersive environment of luxury hospitality. TO APPLY: Submit your updated CV, contactable senior references, and a recent head & shoulders photograph. Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.