Lodge Manager

SUMMARY:
Position Purpose
The Lodge Manager is responsible for the overall day-to-day management and operational performance of a luxury 5-star game lodge, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, high service standards, effective staff leadership, financial control and smooth coordination of all lodge departments. This is a hands-on management role requiring strong luxury hospitality and safari-lodge experience. Current Northern KZN and luxury-lodge vacancies similarly emphasise all-round operations, guest relations, F&B, administration, financial controls and team leadership.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Lodge Operations

• Oversee the complete day-to-day operation of the lodge.
• Ensure all departments operate efficiently and according to 5-star standards.
• Manage and coordinate Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Maintenance and Grounds.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas and back-of-house facilities.
• Ensure lodge standards, SOPs and company policies are consistently maintained.
• Coordinate daily operational meetings and departmental briefings.
• Identify operational problems and implement effective solutions.

Guest Experience & Hosting

• Personally welcome, host and interact with guests.
• Deliver personalised, discreet and exceptional service.
• Anticipate guest needs and exceed expectations.
• Handle guest complaints and resolve issues professionally.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements.
• Assist with special occasions, private dining, bush dinners, sundowners and other guest experiences where required.
• Maintain strong relationships with repeat and VIP guests.

Food & Beverage

• Oversee all F&B operations and service standards.
• Work closely with the Executive/Sous Chef on menus, food quality and presentation.
• Monitor food quality, portion control and guest dietary requirements.
• Manage beverage and wine service standards.
• Monitor F&B stock levels, wastage and costs.
• Ensure correct stock-taking and ordering procedures.

Staff Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the lodge team.
• Manage Heads of Departments and ensure clear delegation of responsibilities.
• Prepare and monitor staff rosters.
• Conduct staff briefings, training and performance reviews.
• Address disciplinary and performance matters in line with company procedures and South African labour legislation.
• Promote professional teamwork and a positive working environment.
• Ensure staff accommodation, welfare, hygiene and appearance standards are maintained.

Financial & Administration

• Assist with preparation and management of lodge budgets.
• Monitor revenue, expenditure and operational costs.
• Control F&B, housekeeping, maintenance and general operating costs.
• Review daily/monthly financial and operational reports.
• Monitor stock control, stock takes and variances.
• Authorise and monitor supplier orders and invoices.
• Ensure accurate guest billing, payments and reconciliations.
• Maintain effective administrative systems and records. Financial acumen and budget management are commonly specified for senior luxury-lodge managers.

Reservations & Front Office

• Oversee reservations, arrivals and departures.
• Ensure accurate guest profiles and booking information.
• Coordinate transfers and safari logistics with relevant teams.
• Ensure all VIP and special-arrival requirements are communicated.
• Monitor occupancy and maximise lodge revenue opportunities.

Maintenance, Health & Safety

• Ensure the property, rooms, vehicles and equipment are properly maintained.
• Manage preventative maintenance programmes.
• Liaise with contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene and emergency procedures.
• Maintain appropriate standards for staff accommodation and back-of-house areas.
• Ensure compliance with reserve rules and environmental requirements.

Safari & Reserve Operations

• Coordinate closely with the Head Guide, Rangers and Safari Department.
• Ensure smooth scheduling of game drives and guest activities.
• Maintain awareness of reserve rules, wildlife protocols and safety procedures.
• Support conservation and sustainability initiatives.

Reporting

• Prepare regular operational reports for owners/General Management.
• Report on occupancy, guest feedback, staffing, stock, maintenance and financial performance.

Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective action.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Hospitality Management / Hotel Management / Tourism qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 3–5 years' management experience in a 4/5-star luxury lodge, with strong preference for recent 5-star game-lodge experience. Current industry adverts commonly specify 3–5 years in luxury lodge management.
• Strong all-round knowledge of lodge operations.
• Excellent Food & Beverage knowledge and experience.
• Proven staff management and leadership experience.
• Strong financial and administrative skills.
• Experience with budgets, stock control and cost management.
• Excellent guest-relations and hosting skills.
• Computer literate – MS Office, particularly Word and Excel, plus PMS/reservation and POS systems.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.