Job Summary
? Assistant Reservations Manager | Luxury Property Group | Cape Town ? Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and proactive Assistant Reservations Manager to join a prestigious Luxury Property Group in Cape Town. This role combines hands-on travel design, team supervision, systems governance, and commercial accountability, ensuring operational efficiency, service excellence, and consistent brand delivery across all markets. The successful candidate will support the strategic and operational leadership of the Reservations team and step into full managerial capacity when required. ? Key Responsibilities ✈️ Travel Design & Guest Experience Research; design, and curate high-end itineraries for B2B and B2C guests Support Travel Designers in crafting seamless, guest-focused journeys across all properties Maintain expert knowledge of destinations and third-party products Review complex or high-value bookings for feasibility and guest alignment Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities Approve discretionary discounts within authorised thresholds Step into full managerial capacity in absence of Head of Reservations Collaborate with Operations and other teams to ensure seamless guest experiences Book domestic and international flights and third-party services Manage peak period inventory strategically ? Booking Performance & Revenue Integrity Monitor booking pace, occupancy levels, and peak availability Support tactical offers and ensure correct application Track cancellation trends and implement mitigation strategies Ensure rate integrity and compliance with discount policies Participate in commercial reviews and provide operational insights Support departmental revenue targets ? Team Leadership & Development Supervise; mentor, and motivate the Reservations team Conduct quality control audits on bookings and communications Provide structured coaching and feedback to Travel Designers Assist with onboarding and probation processes Implement training plans and calendars Manage team scheduling for adequate coverage Handle escalated guest or agent matters professionally ? Systems & Process Governance Ensure accurate use of reservation systems, CRM, and booking platforms Maintain CRM hygiene and pipeline tracking Oversee rate loading accuracy across systems and third-party platforms Ensure audit-ready booking documentation Identify system inefficiencies and recommend improvements Implement SOPs and operational standards Support automation and process improvement initiatives ? Financial & Compliance Oversight Ensure timely follow-up of deposits and outstanding payments Monitor upcoming payments and support team accountability Liaise with Finance on reconciliations and queries Support margin awareness and responsible discount application Assist in preparing weekly and monthly performance reports ? Customer Retention Monitor itineraries and handle travel-related issues Manage customer complaints efficiently and ensure timely resolution Follow up with guests during and after travel experiences ✅ Experience, Qualifications & Competencies Demonstrated experience in a comparable leadership role within luxury hospitality, safari, or high-end travel Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proven accuracy and attention to detail Motivated to meet and exceed sales and performance goals Strong negotiation, planning, and organisational skills Creative; initiative-driven, and solutions-focused Team player with a positive and approachable attitude Ability to build relationships with diverse clients and cultures Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) Knowledge of Res Request, Safari Portal, and HubSpot advantageous Genuine passion for luxury travel Flexibility to work varying hours as required ? Package Salary: R37,000 – R40,000 DOE ? Location: Cape Town ? Property Type: Luxury Property Group ✨ This is an outstanding opportunity for a hospitality professional to step into a leadership role within a luxury travel environment, ensuring operational excellence and unforgettable guest experiences ?