South Africa: Reservations Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

This is a remote position.

Reservations Manager Luxury Safari Lodge | Remote

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an organised and service-oriented Reservations Manager for a luxury safari lodge. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional with experience in reservations management and a passion for delivering seamless, personalised guest experiences in a remote, high-end safari environment.

Salary: Negotiable (DOE)
Accommodation: Live-in

Key Responsibilities:

Reservations & Guest Journey:
Manage and supervise daily reservation operations across all camps
Handle bookings efficiently and personally, from inquiry to confirmation and pre-arrival
Maintain detailed knowledge of lodge offerings and guest experiences to personalise communication
Coordinate with field-based teams to ensure readiness for guest arrivals and special requests

Trade Relations & Sales Support:
Build and maintain strong relationships with travel trade partners, agents, and tour operators
Provide training, support, and up-to-date information on availability and promotions

Revenue & Performance Management:
Monitor occupancy trends, booking pace, and yield to support revenue optimisation
Generate reports to assist with forecasting, budgeting, and performance reviews

System & Process Management:
Oversee accurate data entry, payment tracking, and booking integrity in the reservations system
Ensure standard operating procedures are followed and continuously improved
Coordinate with finance and hospitality teams for smooth pre-arrival processes

Team Leadership:
Lead and support reservations team members
Provide ongoing training, mentorship, and performance feedback
Foster a culture of excellence, empathy, and service within the team

Requirements:
Minimum 35 years experience in reservations or front office within luxury hospitality or safari lodges
In-depth knowledge of Southern African travel, safari logistics, and luxury guest expectations
Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring abilities
Proficient in reservation systems (e.g., ResRequest, Panstrat, NightsBridge)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; additional languages advantageous
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure
Passion for luxury travel, wildlife, and conservation

Personal Attributes:
Integrity, professionalism, and a strong service orientation
Strategic thinker with a hands-on operational approach
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-performance environment

This position is suited to a proactive and dedicated individual committed to delivering exceptional luxury safari experiences while leading a high-performing reservations team.

Candidates who are keen to apply are invited to submit their CV for consideration.