LODGE MANAGER (URGENT)

Location: Private Big 5 Concession, Northern Zululand, KZN
Property Type: Exclusive 5 tented safari camp (10 guests | 22 staff)
Salary: R22,000 R25,000 DOE | Live-in (single 1-bedroom house) | Turnover incentive considered
Start: ASAP

The Opportunity

A boutique, high-end safari camp seeks a hands-on Lodge Manager to lead daily operations and elevate an intimate guest experience. Youll steward a small, high-performing team, uphold 5-star standards end-to-end, and drive commercial performance through sharp cost control, training, and relentless attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Experience & Hosting: Visible floor leadership; premium meet-&-greet, seamless arrivals/departures, proactive problem resolution, and discreet VIP handling.

• Operations Management: Oversee FOH, housekeeping, F&B service, stock and purchasing, vehicles and camp assets (with maintenance liaison), health & safety, and SOP compliance.

• People Leadership: Manage a team of ~22; recruit, roster, coach, and performance-manage; cultivate a warm, service-driven culture aligned to 5 standards.

• Finance & Controls: Drive COS and beverage GP, stock integrity (GRVs, counts, variances), petty cash, and basic month-end packs/flash reporting; supplier and budget discipline.

• Standards & Brand: Uphold presentation standards across rooms, public areas, boma and decks; ensure consistent turn-down, amenity and service touches that define a luxury tented experience.

• Risk, H&S & Compliance: Enforce safety protocols, incident reporting, and statutory adherence; ensure emergency readiness (medical, fire, environmental).

What Youll Bring

• Proven senior management in luxury lodges: 35+ years as Lodge/Camp Manager or Assistant GM in a 5 environment (intimate/luxury tented experience an advantage).

• Leadership & training: Track record building small, multi-disciplinary teams; clear communicator; calm under pressure; guest-centric and solutions-focused.

• Commercial acumen: Comfortable with stock control, COS/GP, petty cash, supplier management, and month-end basics.

• Systems & admin: Solid MS Office; exposure to lodge PMS/stock platforms (e.g., Panstrat/Opera/ResRequest/Micros) beneficial.

• Remote-readiness: Thrives in a bush environment; high resilience and follow-through.

• Licences/Certs: Valid drivers licence (essential). First Aid and PrDP advantageous.

Package & Logistics

• Salary: R22,000 R25,000 per month (depending on experience).

• Incentive: Turnover incentive may be included for the right candidate.

• Accommodation: Live-in, single-occupancy 1-bedroom house on reserve.

• Work Setup: On-site, full time; roster aligned to operational needs.

How to Apply

Submit your CV with contactable references ASAP!

? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.