Job Description

Closing Date: 2025-12-24
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Lodge Manager - Luxury Safari Lodge (Pre-Opening) - Greater Kruger, Hoedspruit
Our client, an exclusive new 7-key luxury safari lodge opening in the Greater Kruger region, Hoedspruit, is seeking an experienced Lodge Manager to lead the operation through pre-opening, launch, and ongoing daily management. This is an exceptional opportunity for a hands-on, service-driven hospitality professional who thrives in a remote safari environment and excels at guest experience, leadership, and operational excellence.
Description
The Lodge Manager will oversee all aspects of lodge operations including guest services, housekeeping, F&B, maintenance, HR, administration, and financial controls. This role requires a confident leader with strong operational discipline, the ability to manage a small, high-performing team, and a passion for delivering personalised 5-star safari guest experiences.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee full lodge operations including F&B, rooms, front-of-house, and guest experience
• Lead the pre-opening setup including SOPs, staff onboarding, and operational readiness
• Manage staff scheduling, training, performance, and team culture
• Monitor budgets, cost controls, stock, procurement, and administration
• Ensure facilities, rooms, and guest areas meet luxury lodge standards
• Oversee guest hosting, arrivals, departures, and problem resolution
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Work closely with owners and senior leadership on strategy, reporting, and KPIs
• Ensure seamless communication between departments

Start Date: 25 January 2026
Salary & Benefits

• R20 000 - R30 000 (experience dependent)
• Live-in accommodation
• Three meals per day
• Work cycle to be finalised based on lodge schedule
• Opportunity to be part of a prestigious pre-opening project

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience as Lodge Manager / Assistant Lodge Manager
• Strong leadership, communication, and guest service skills
• Excellent administrative, financial, and organisational ability
• Experience in luxury safari lodges (highly advantageous)
• Ability to work and live in a remote bush environment
• Professional, well-presented, reliable, and team-oriented
• Valid driver's licence
• Strong problem-solving, crisis management, and operational discipline

Benefits
Live-in accommodation Three meals per day

Skills Required