
Lodge Manager
- Waterberg, Limpopo
- Permanent
- Full-time
Guest Experience & Service
- Be a visible and hands-on host, meeting and engaging with guests daily to ensure a personalized and unforgettable stay.
- Maintain the established standards of guest care, guest delight, and guest feedback management, always turning guest comments into opportunities for improvement.
- Respond promptly and graciously to all guest queries, complaints, and special requests; use all feedback as a learning platform.
- Act as the primary contact for high-profile guests, VIPs, travel agents, and media visits as required.
- Conduct regular guest briefings and ensure all activities and experiences run seamlessly.
- Take full responsibility for all lodge operations in the absence of the General Manager.
- Ensure consistent communication and alignment with all other lodge departments - food & beverage, housekeeping, guiding, guest relations, and maintenance - to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Ensure departmental procedures and service standards are current and in line with company SOPs and guest expectations.
- Maintain cleanliness, orderliness, and presentation of the lodge at all times.
- Lead, mentor, and motivate the guest services team, setting clear goals and performance expectations.
- Develop and support talent, including identifying and training team members for career growth.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, ensuring transparent communication, two-way feedback, and follow up on agreed personal development plans.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture across all lodge departments.
- Support accurate financial processes, including daily expenditure control, stock control, ordering, and stock-take processes.
- Monitor guest services costs and recommend efficiencies without compromising guest satisfaction.
- Adhere to par stock levels and manage supplier relations for guest service products.
- Maintain adherence to all company health, safety, and sustainability policies — including fire, hygiene, and HACCP.
- Ensure full team compliance with the company’s sustainability initiatives around water, waste, energy, and local partnerships.
- Implement and follow all HR policies and procedures, including roster management, leave, overtime, and discipline.
- Attend regular management meetings to report on guest feedback, lodge service performance, and staff development.
- Prepare timely and accurate reports for the General Manager and the support office, as required.
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a senior lodge management or guest services role in a 5-star safari or boutique hotel environment.
- Proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills - a natural motivator and team player.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- High level of professionalism, emotional maturity, and flexibility.
- Organized, with exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Solid knowledge of lodge operations and luxury guest expectations.
- Valid driver’s license and own transport are essential.
- Computer literate (MS Office Suite) and familiar with property management systems.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Guest focus philosophy, living the company brand and driving the company’s experience.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
- Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
- Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution-seeking skills.
- Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
- Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
- Must work accurately under pressure.
- People skills – tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.