The Role
Live-in Lodge Manager responsible for day-to-day operations, guest experience, financial performance, staff leadership, compliance, and maintenance at a luxury lodge in a Big Five reserve. Lead multiple departments, manage budgets and costs, drive guest satisfaction and repeat business, ensure safety and audit readiness, and implement operational improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Our Client
Our client is an established hospitality group operating a portfolio of distinctive hotels and lodges across Southern Africa. They are committed to delivering memorable guest experiences, maintaining high operational standards, and creating a service-driven culture within their properties.
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and hands-on Lodge Manager to take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and operational performance of a luxury lodge situated within a renowned Big Five game reserve.
This is a live-in position and requires a strong hospitality leader who is comfortable managing a remote lodge operation, leading multiple departments, maintaining exceptional guest service standards, and taking ownership of the lodge's financial and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
Take overall responsibility for delivering an exceptional and consistent guest experience.
Maintain guest satisfaction and review scores in line with required performance benchmarks.
Ensure high service standards are consistently maintained across all departments.
Proactively engage with guests and manage guest feedback, concerns, and complaints professionally and efficiently.
Drive repeat business, referrals, and positive guest experiences.
Ensure the lodge consistently delivers on its service and brand standards.
Lodge Operations
Oversee the complete day-to-day operation of the lodge.
Coordinate and manage all operational departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
Ensure effective communication and workflow between departments.
Identify and resolve operational challenges before they impact the guest experience.
Ensure facilities, equipment, and lodge assets are properly maintained.
Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.
Ensure the lodge operates efficiently during high occupancy periods.
Financial Management
Take responsibility for the lodge's financial and operational performance.
Work towards achieving monthly and annual revenue targets.
Manage departmental expenditure within approved budgets.
Monitor operating costs and implement appropriate cost-control measures.
Contribute towards improving gross operating profit margins.
Balance financial efficiency with the delivery of exceptional guest service.
Review operational and financial reports and take corrective action where required.
People Management & Leadership
Lead, motivate, and manage a diverse lodge team across multiple departments.
Foster a professional, accountable, high-performance, and service-driven culture.
Ensure staff are appropriately trained, developed, and supported.
Conduct and oversee performance reviews and development plans.
Manage staff performance, conduct, and disciplinary matters in accordance with company policies and labour legislation.
Support staff retention and maintain acceptable employee turnover levels.
Ensure effective workforce planning and departmental staffing.
Compliance, Health, Safety & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, security, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain readiness for audits, inspections, and compliance assessments.
Ensure emergency procedures and risk mitigation plans are in place and understood by the team.
Maintain high standards of workplace and guest safety.
Promote sustainability and environmentally responsible operating practices.
Requirements
Matric / Grade 12.
A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field would be advantageous.
Proven experience as a Lodge Manager, Hotel Manager, General Manager, or Senior Operations Manager within a lodge, resort, or hospitality environment.
Strong experience managing multiple operational departments.
Demonstrated leadership and people-management experience.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and operational performance management.
Excellent guest relations and communication skills.
Strong operational planning and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in hospitality management systems and reporting tools.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.
Previous experience in a remote or live-in lodge environment would be highly advantageous.
Key Competencies
Strategic leadership and sound decision-making.
Financial and commercial acumen.
Exceptional guest-service orientation.
Strong operational planning and execution.
Hands-on leadership style.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and departments simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Calm and effective leadership in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Important Position Information
This is a live-in position based at a luxury lodge within a renowned Big Five game reserve in the North West Province.
Candidates must be comfortable living and working in a remote lodge environment and should carefully consider the location and lifestyle requirements before applying.
Start Date: 1 August 2026
Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
Skills Required
- Matric / Grade 12
- Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
- Proven experience as a Lodge Manager, Hotel Manager, General Manager, or Senior Operations Manager within a lodge, resort, or hospitality environment
- Strong experience managing multiple operational departments
- Demonstrated leadership and people-management experience
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and operational performance management
- Excellent guest relations and communication skills
- Strong operational planning and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in hospitality management systems and reporting tools
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Previous experience in a remote or live-in lodge environment
- Comfortable living and working in a remote lodge environment
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The Company
What We Do
RMV Solutions Pty Ltd is a South African recruitment agency established in 2017, with recruiters who are experts in search and selection and are passionate about bringing candidates and clients together across various sectors.
