South Africa: Front Office Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Front Office Manager | Luxury Lodge | Bela Bela, Limpopo

Salary: R18,000 R22,000 Negotiable DOE
Accommodation: Live-in

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a professional and experienced Front Office Manager for a luxury lodge based in Bela Bela. This role is suited to a hospitality professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while managing front office operations, leading a team, and ensuring seamless coordination across departments.

Role Overview
The Front Office Manager will oversee the daily front office operations to ensure smooth guest experiences, efficient departmental performance, and effective communication between departments. The position combines operational leadership, guest relations, financial reporting, team management, and revenue optimisation. The successful candidate will uphold high hospitality standards while contributing to room revenue growth and overall operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Service & Operations
Ensure a welcoming and professional guest experience from arrival to departure
Manage check-in and check-out processes efficiently
Handle guest enquiries, requests, and complaints promptly and professionally
Oversee reservations, room allocations, and guest registration processes
Coordinate guest services across departments to ensure seamless operations
Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and manage challenging guest situations confidently

Staff Management & Training
Supervise and support front office staff including reception and guest services
Prepare duty rosters and manage daily workflow
Conduct weekly team meetings and training sessions
Coach and develop team members to perform their duties effectively
Handle disciplinary procedures when required
Oversee payroll administration for the department

Communication & Coordination
Act as the primary liaison between guests, departments, and management
Maintain effective communication across all operational departments
Coordinate with operational teams to ensure smooth service delivery
Perform Duty Manager responsibilities when required

Financial & Administrative Duties
Monitor daily financial movements and prepare daily revenue reports
Manage departmental budgets and financial controls
Balance and reconcile incoming and outgoing cash
Submit weekly invoices to the finance department
Perform monthly reconciliation of card transactions
Ensure administrative tasks and reports are completed accurately and on time
Ensure procurement aligns with approved budgets

Revenue & Reservations Management
Monitor direct rental trends within the hospitality industry
Manage forecasting, pricing strategies, special offers, and revenue targets
Maintain a strong understanding of rate structures and online booking platforms
Oversee reservation processes and occupancy optimisation

Compliance & Operational Control
Ensure compliance with company policies and operational procedures
Audit cash handling procedures and financial controls
Respond promptly to emergencies and operational challenges
Maintain awareness of reserve rules and regulations

Digital & Pre-Arrival Communication
Review and update information on online platforms
Maintain accurate and professional pre-arrival communication documentation

Internal & External Liaison
Works closely with the following departments:
Reception
Entertainment
Housekeeping
Maintenance
Security
Reserve Management

Skills & Technical Requirements
Good understanding of CIMSO Innkeeper PMS system
Strong knowledge of timeshare processes, exchanges, and principles
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office Suite including Word and Excel (Publisher advantageous)
Familiarity with the WhatsApp Business platform
Strong administrative and reporting capabilities
Basic financial literacy for reporting and reconciliations
Ability to manage departmental budgets
Understanding of direct rentals, reservations, forecasting, and booking platforms
Knowledge of hospitality rate structures
Team management ability including scheduling and disciplinary procedures

Qualifications & Certifications

Required
Relevant hospitality or front office management experience

Advantageous
Health and Safety certification
First Aid certification

Personal Attributes
Professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene
Strong leadership presence and interpersonal skills
Calm, solution-focused approach under pressure
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Ability to handle emergencies and difficult situations effectively
Respectful leadership style aligned with company culture

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to apply for the role.