South Africa: Lodge Management Couple posted by HotelJobs

A stunning lodge in Liwonde National Park is looking for a LODGE MANAGEMENT COUPLE to join their team. This appointment consists of two clearly defined and complementary roles: Lodge Manager and Maintenance Manager. This is a senior opportunity suited to a calm, capable couple with strong leadership skills, high personal standards, and the ability to operate confidently in a remote safari environment. The lodge has a long operating history and is committed to delivering a consistently high-quality guest experience. Role 1: Lodge Manager The Lodge Manager is responsible for the overall day-to-day lodge operations and guest experience, ensuring seamless coordination across departments and consistently high service standards. This is a guest-facing, people-focused role requiring strong organisational skills and a hands-on management approach. Candidate Responsibilities: Oversee the full guest journey from arrival to departure. Maintain a visible, professional presence with guests throughout their stay. Anticipate guest needs and resolve issues proactively and discreetly. Liaise closely with the guiding team to ensure guest preferences and feedback are communicated and actioned. Uphold consistent standards across accommodation, service, and public areas. Coordinate daily lodge operations across all departments. Ensure clear communication and effective handovers between teams and shifts. Support smooth daily rhythms and reliable management coverage. Maintain and follow established operational systems and procedures. Lead; support, and mentor lodge staff with clarity, respect, and consistency. Contribute to staff development and performance management. Foster a positive, professional, and accountable working environment. Identify potential operational or guest service issues early and address them proactively. Maintain strong attention to detail across all guest-facing areas. Communicate clearly and regularly with senior management regarding performance, challenges, and improvement opportunities. Proven experience in high-end safari lodges or professional hospitality environments. Confident and natural with international guests. Calm; organised, and solutions-focused. Comfortable leading local teams in a remote setting. High level of professionalism and personal standards. Role 2: Maintenance Manager The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all maintenance, infrastructure, and technical operations across the lodge. This role requires strong technical understanding, organisation, and consistent follow-through to ensure infrastructure is well maintained and operations run smoothly. Candidate Responsibilities: Oversee the maintenance department and associated trades. Plan; prioritise, and supervise maintenance tasks to ensure work is completed to standard. Ensure tasks are properly prepared, resourced, and executed. Reduce rework through correct methods, supervision, and quality control. Assist with planning and executing maintenance and improvement projects. Coordinate materials, tools, and labour efficiently. Support preventative and long-term maintenance planning. Maintain and improve maintenance systems, workflows, and reporting. Ensure clear task tracking, reporting, and sign-off processes. Promote safe, organised, and efficient work practices. Work closely with senior management on standards, priorities, and execution. Coordinate maintenance activities around lodge operations to minimise guest impact. Communicate clearly and professionally with teams. Strong technical or operational background (maintenance, engineering, construction, or similar). Experience managing teams and multiple work streams. Methodical; organised, and quality-driven. Comfortable working hands-on with local teams. Experience in remote or African environments is advantageous. Core Criteria: Minimum 1015 years in hospitality Hospitality or business management diploma/degree preferred. Previous experience managing a luxury safari lodge Proven success in guest relations, operations, and team leadership. Strong interpersonal dynamics and ability to work harmoniously under pressure. Willingness to live in a remote bush environment Cultural sensitivity and community engagement, especially in conservation-focused settings. Proficiency in lodge management systems Police Clearance Certificate Package: 24 month fixed-term contract (with option to potentially renew) Work cycle: 60 days on, 10 days off Accommodation while on duty All meals while on base Medical cover contributions 30 days annual leave 13 days public holidays (Malawi national holidays) 2 year permit covered by company This is a live-in position.