The Role
Oversee daily operations of a remote bushveld game lodge, including guest relations, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, reservations, staff supervision, procurement, budgeting, and health and safety. Coordinate wildlife activities and ensure high-quality guest experiences. The role requires hands-on leadership, flexible hours, remote-lodge adaptability, and oversight of lodge infrastructure, vehicles, utilities, and safety protocols.
Summary Generated by Built In
Role Overview
We are seeking an energetic, hands-on, and guest-focused Lodge Manager to oversee the daily operations of an intimate bushveld game lodge. The ideal candidate will lead a small, dedicated team to deliver warm South African hospitality, ensure seamless lodge maintenance, and create memorable wildlife experiences for local and international guests.
Because this is a remote bush location, the successful applicant must be adaptable, resourceful, and willing to get involved in every aspect of lodge life.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Relations & Experience
- Welcome guests warmly upon arrival, conduct lodge orientations, and serve as the primary point of contact throughout their stay.
- Host guests during meals, boma evenings, and bush dining experiences to ensure high levels of satisfaction.
- Handle guest inquiries, special requests, and feedback promptly and professionally.
- Coordinate game drives, bush walks, and external activities with the guiding team.
Operations & Housekeeping
- Oversee front-of-house, housekeeping, food and beverage, and general maintenance departments.
- Conduct daily inspections of guest suites, public areas, and safari vehicles to ensure spotless presentation and safety standards.
- Manage room allocations, reservations, check-ins, and check-outs using the lodge’s booking system.
Staff Leadership & Administration
- Supervise, train, and motivate lodge staff, including housekeepers, kitchen staff, general workers, and rangers.
- Compile weekly staff rosters, manage leave schedules, and oversee basic disciplinary procedures.
- Monitor stock levels for food, beverages, cleaning supplies, and lodge amenities, placing orders with suppliers in nearby towns.
- Manage petty cash, daily reconciliations, and monthly operational budgets to control costs and minimize waste.
Maintenance & Health and Safety
- Oversee preventative maintenance on lodge infrastructure, generators, solar systems, water pumps, and vehicles.
- Ensure strict compliance with health, hygiene, fire safety, and wildlife safety protocols across the property.
Requirements
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in hospitality management, assistant lodge management, or a similar bushveld/boutique hotel environment.
- Driver’s License: Valid Code 08 (B) South African driver’s license with a valid PrDP (or willingness to obtain one immediately).
- Certifications: Valid First Aid Level 1 certificate is required. FGASA qualifications are advantageous but not mandatory.
- Skills: Strong administrative and computer literacy (MS Office, email, and basic Property Management Systems).
- Personal Attributes:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in English (knowledge of an additional local language is a bonus).
- Ability to live and work happily in a remote bush environment with limited town access.
- Strong problem-solving skills, calm under pressure, and a proactive "can-do" attitude.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays, and shifts around game drive times.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in English (knowledge of an additional local language is a bonus).
Benefits
Benefits & Package
- Competitive salary of R20,000 – R25,000 per month based on experience.
- Comfortable on-site management accommodation (utilities included).
- Meals provided while on duty.
- Standard leave cycle suitable for remote bush lodges (e.g., 21 days on, 7 days off, or similar agreed roster).
Skills Required
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in hospitality management, assistant lodge management, or a similar bushveld or boutique hotel environment
- Valid Code 08 (B) South African driver's license
- Valid PrDP, or willingness to obtain one immediately
- Valid First Aid Level 1 certificate
- Strong administrative and computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, email, and basic Property Management Systems
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in English
- Ability to live and work in a remote bush environment with limited town access
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays, and shifts around game drive times
- FGASA qualifications
- Knowledge of an additional local language
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The Company
What We Do
Bushwise provides practical field-guide and conservation career training in Southern Africa, with safari-guide courses lasting from three days to 12 months and conservation training from two weeks to one year. It is the exclusive Southern African training provider for International Field Guide Association certification and standards. Founded to address the need for professional, qualified safari guides, Bushwise aims to help ethically sustain the natural environment.
