An established and reputable hospitality group operating premium, boutique safari lodges and luxury accommodation across premier South African wilderness and leisure destinations.
This is a permanent, live-in position based at a safari lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. The core focus of the role is highly operational and hands-on, combining day-to-day lodge management, staff supervision, and guest-facing hospitality with comprehensive property, fleet, and infrastructure maintenance.
Key responsibilities
- Lodge & Guest Operations: Oversee all day-to-day operations, coordinate guest arrivals and departures, manage room allocations, and maintain consistently high service and presentation standards.
- Property & Infrastructure Maintenance: Manage farm activities, roads, fencing, water systems, vehicles, equipment, and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
- Environmental & Land Management: Coordinate bush clearing projects, oversee controlled burns in line with reserve regulations, and maintain accurate records of land management activities.
- Staff Supervision: Lead, train, and schedule all on-site lodge staff, including housekeeping, kitchen, administration, and field guides, as well as temporary labour and contractors.
- Head Office Coordination: Provide accurate daily operational updates, submit monthly Section Manager's reports, and communicate live-time updates regarding lodge capacity and maintenance constraints affecting bookings.
- On-Site Financial Controls: Manage localized operational expenses within approved budgets, monitor stock controls to prevent wastage, collect and fairly distribute staff tips, and process final guest payments via Speedpoint when required.
Requirements
- Experience: Proven track record as a Lodge Manager, Assistant Lodge Manager, or Maintenance Manager within a similar luxury game reserve or safari lodge environment.
- Technical Skills: Strong hands-on, practical maintenance abilities across electrical, plumbing, and general mechanical repairs.
- Licences: Valid South African driver’s licence and the ability to operate large vehicles and lodge machinery (Code 10 licence is highly advantageous).
- Logistics: Must possess a reliable personal vehicle (the lodge is located outside of walking distance from local shops/amenities).
- Qualifications (Preferred): A relevant trade qualification (e.g., electrician, plumber), mechanical certifications, or Health & Safety/First Aid certification.
- Living Arrangements: This is a live-in position suitable for a single individual (accommodation is unfurnished).
Attributes
- A proactive, self-motivated, and solutions-driven work ethic.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a polished and professional guest-facing presence.
- Physically fit, healthy, and agile, with the stamina required to handle a demanding, active bush role.
- Highly organised with strong administrative capabilities and attention to detail.
- Comfortable living and working independently within a remote wilderness environment.
Salary
- R20,000 per month (dependent on experience).
- On-site unfurnished accommodation included.
- Uniform provided.
***Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.***
