Job Description

Job Summary
Chief Operating Officer - Luxury Safari Camp, Okavango Delta
Salary: BWP 75,000 - BWP 95,000 (Negotiable DOE) | Live-in Position
Location: Remote Okavango Delta, Botswana
Kendrick Recruitment is now seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a prestigious luxury safari camp based in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader with strong operational expertise to oversee and elevate daily operations across multiple remote properties, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence in one of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight
Lead day-to-day operations across all lodges, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and excellence in service delivery
Oversee all departments, including front-of-house, back-of-house, food & beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and logistics
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing, motivated lodge teams
Foster a professional, inclusive workplace culture aligned with the company's values
Champion skills development, with a focus on local employment and empowerment
Guest Experience & Brand Standards
Ensure every guest receives a world-class, personalised safari experience
Uphold and continually refine brand and service standards across all properties
Financial Oversight (in collaboration with CFO)
Support the creation and management of operational budgets
Optimise expenditures, manage inventory, and oversee resource allocation
Contribute to profitability through service quality, occupancy, and operational efficiency
Asset Management
Maintain all assets, including infrastructure, vehicles, boats, equipment, and energy systems, in excellent condition
Develop proactive maintenance schedules and manage procurement of critical assets
Sustainability & Conservation
Champion eco-friendly practices across operations
Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and support conservation initiatives
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and labour regulations, with protocols adapted for remote operations
Oversee risk management strategies and emergency preparedness
Strategic Execution
Work with the Board to implement strategic initiatives and long-term growth plans
Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, conservation partners, suppliers, and authorities
Represent the company professionally within industry networks and forums
Candidate Profile:
Qualifications & Experience
Senior leadership experience in luxury lodge or hospitality operations, preferably in remote or wilderness settings
Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage multi-site operations
Experience working in partnership with finance teams to achieve budgetary and operational targets
Strong understanding of safari logistics, eco-tourism, and conservation principles
Experience working within the Southern African hospitality context, particularly in Botswana, is a significant advantage
Personal Attributes
Deep passion for conservation and responsible tourism
Pragmatic, hands-on leader with strategic vision
Calm, adaptable, and resilient in challenging remote environments
Strong interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
Committed to excellence, integrity, and sustainability
If you believe you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role and are excited to contribute to a leading safari operation in the Okavango Delta, please submit your CV to Kendrick Recruitment to apply.
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