South Africa: Relief General Manager – Luxury Safari Lodges posted by Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment

Relief General Manager Luxury Safari Lodges

Uganda & Kenya | East Africa

A leading Hospitality Management Company and operator of iconic luxury safari lodges in East Africa is seeking an experienced Relief General Manager to support a portfolio of high-end properties across Uganda and Kenya.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role suited to a confident hospitality professional who thrives in remote, operationally complex environments and can step seamlessly into lodge operations to ensure continuity, stability, and excellence.

The Role

As Relief General Manager, you will assume full operational oversight of assigned lodges during leadership transitions, absences, performance recovery periods, or special projects. You will act as the custodian of:

• Exceptional luxury safari guest experiences
• Operational excellence and service consistency
• Financial performance, cost control, and reporting
• Team leadership, morale, and cultural alignment
• Brand standards, sustainability, and responsible tourism values

You will work closely with an Executive Leadership Team and provide calm, decisive leadership where it matters most.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full General Manager responsibility at assigned lodges on a relief basis
• Rapidly assess operational, people, and financial performance upon deployment
• Stabilise operations and reinforce standard operating procedures
• Lead and motivate cross-cultural teams in remote lodge environments
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-end guest experiences
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and cost-control measures
• Manage facilities, maintenance, health, and safety compliance
• Support sustainability initiatives and community engagement
• Liaise with central sales and marketing teams to ensure lodges remain sales-ready

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a General Manager, Lodge Manager, or Relief GM within luxury safari lodges or remote hospitality operations
• Demonstrated ability to step into leadership roles quickly and effectively
• Strong operational, people leadership, and financial management skills
• Experience working in remote or logistically challenging environments
• High level of cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
• Willingness and flexibility to travel and relocate on a relief basis

Whats on Offer

• A high-impact, executive-level role within a respected safari hospitality portfolio
• Exposure to multiple iconic lodges and destinations across East Africa
• Opportunity to influence guest experience, people development, and operational standards
• Competitive remuneration aligned to experience and assignment scope
  • Compensation package paid in US$ nett
  • On-site (single status) accommodation
  • All meals, and benefits.
  • Annual Gratuity bonus
  • Full payment of NSSF contributions covered by the company
  • Cost of all visas and work permits covered by the company
  • Annual leave
  • Annual return Air tickets to point of origin congruent to leave cycle