Lodge Manager

We are seeking a senior, hands-on Lodge Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our luxury lodge in the Lowveld. This role manages two lodges. As the ideal candidate, you will ensure seamless daily operations, lead a dedicated team, maintain rigorous 5-star hospitality standards, and manage budgets. Crucially, you will champion our deep commitment to sustainable tourism and community partnerships, as our land is proudly community-owned.

Key Responsibilities

1. Guest Experience & Hospitality Excellence Provide an ultimate, highly personalised "at-home" hospitality experience for up to 5-star international and local guests. Oversee and streamline all guest activities, including morning/afternoon game drives, wilderness bush walks, and special functions. Interact closely with guests during arrivals, meals, and departures, and professionally handle any feedback or issues.
2. Team Leadership & Human Resources Manage, mentor, and build the skills of our diverse lodge staff across multiple departments (kitchen, front of house, housekeeping, maintenance, and guiding). Support and participate in effective recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and leave planning. Foster a collaborative environment that promotes multi-skilling and maintains high staff morale.
3. Operational & Asset Management Oversee the continuous physical and technical upkeep of the river lodge infrastructure and the solar/off-grid bush camp facilities. Enforce strict quality control standards for housekeeping, food and beverage presentation, gardening, and vehicle maintenance. Direct and monitor safety protocols, emergency responses, risk assessments, and environmental health tasks (waste, sanitation, and pest control).
4. Financial & Administrative Control Work with the finance department to develop annual budgets, operational business plans, and monthly cash flow/sales forecasts. Manage procurement, logistics, monthly stocktakes, and invoicing, ensuring high-efficiency cost control. Handle licensing, permits, and regulatory compliance aligned with regional tourism grading authorities.
5. Community & Conservation Integration Maintain and grow the core relationship with the local land-owning community, ensuring our community-first upliftment goals are met through local procurement and preferential employment. Actively communicate and drive our environmental and wildlife conservation message alongside our field guiding teams.

Requirements

3–5 years of senior lodge management experience within a remote, high-end 4/5-star safari lodge or luxury bush camp environment. Operational Versatility: Proven track record running standard brick-and-mortar operations alongside remote, solar-powered or eco-tented facilities. Financial Acumen: Strong practical understanding of budgeting, inventory control, and CAPEX forecasting.

Soft Skills: Outstanding communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain composure under pressure in a remote environment. Licensing: Valid South African driver’s license is required. Advantageous: A current Field Guide qualification, First Aid certification, or training in eco-tourism/environmental management.

Benefits

What We Offer

A market-related, experience-dependent salary package. Private live-in accommodation within the game reserve. Medical and travel allowances according to company policy. The unique opportunity to work in a business with a profound, positive social footprint and direct community impact.