Western Cape: General Manager – Wildlife Sanctuary – Plettenburg Bay

Minimum requirements for the role: Previous experience having worked in senior management role within conservation, eco-tourism, or hospitality sectors is preferred for the role. Postgraduate or specialised training in conservation management or tourism is advantageous. Previous experience having worked within a wildlife sanctuary or conservation organisations or eco-tourism, or hospitality operations etc is preferred but not essential. Proven success managing multi-site operations and diverse teams. Strong knowledge of maintenance systems, infrastructure, and operational logistics as well as financial and business management expertise. Experience engaging with tourism operators, donor bodies, and conservation networks. The Successful candidate must have Strategic leadership and decisive management abilities with exceptional financial, operational, and project management capabilities. Must be able to delegate effectively across multiple functional teams with all levels of people as well as stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be responsible for: Managing and overseeing the full operational and strategic responsibility for the sanctuaries, ensuring sustainable growth, ethical integrity, and organisational excellence. Overseeing leadership, maintenance, finance, and operational efficiency across all sites. Leading all sanctuary operations to ensure efficiency, visitor satisfaction, and long-term sustainability. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L management while maintaining full financial transparency as well as managing maintenance and capital projects across all sanctuaries. Overseeing all in-house and external contractors, ensuring habitats and facilities meet world-class standards. Leading a workforce of over 70 employees, fostering accountability, performance, and growth while maintaining sound labour relations. Upholding the Groups no-touch, free-roaming sanctuary ethos and ensuring compliance with NEMBA, CITES, and all relevant animal welfare regulations. Maintaining superior guest experiences through operational excellence and close collaboration with marketing teams. Cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and the community to strengthen conservation impact. Ensuring safety, environmental, and governance standards are upheld across all operations. Delivering infrastructure and development projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Driving efficiencies in energy use, procurement, and staffing while safeguarding animal welfare and visitor quality. Salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable depending on experience gained.