South Africa: General Manager (Lodges) – 5* Private Game Reserve – Eastern Cape | Sl posted by HotelJobs

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead one of South Africa’s most prestigious privately owned game reserves in the Grahamstown/Great Fish River region of the Eastern Cape. As a renowned, malaria-free ultra-luxury Big Five reserve, our 5-star game lodge offers quality guiding, understated luxury and deeply immersive safari experiences. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying full accountability for the operation, team and guest experience across the entire reserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Full general management accountability across all lodges and exclusive-use properties on the reserve
• Oversee and align all departments including guiding, F&B, housekeeping, maintenance, conservation, community and administration
• Drive and maintain the highest standards of guest experience consistent with the brand
• Lead; develop and manage all heads of department and broader staff complement
• Full financial oversight including budget management, cost control, forecasting and reporting to ownership
• Manage the owner relationship – providing regular operational updates and ensuring the family’s vision and standards are upheld at all times
• Oversee conservation and community initiatives integral to the reserve’s identity and mission
• Host agents, media, VIPs and ownership with the appropriate level of personal engagement
• Manage supplier and contractor relationships
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental and labour legislation
• Drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the reserve’s operation and guest offering

Requirements

• Minimum 5 to 8 years’ senior management experience as a General Manager or equivalent in a 5-star game lodge environment
• Essential: Proven track record managing a multi-lodge or multi-unit luxury hospitality operation
• Top-tier luxury brand experience strongly preferred
• Relevant hospitality or business management qualification
• Exceptional financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and reporting
• Strong HR leadership skills – ability to develop, inspire and retain a high-performing team across multiple properties
• Sound understanding of conservation principles and community-focused tourism
• Excellent guest relations skills – comfortable and confident hosting discerning international guests, agents, media and VIPs
• Experience managing owner relationships with sensitivity, transparency and professionalism
• Solid understanding of lodge systems, reservations and property management

Qualifications

• Valid PrDP (Professional Diploma in Property Development)
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid passport

Salary & Benefits

Competitive senior-level package