Kendrick Recruitment is recruiting an Assistant Front Office Manager for a luxury lodge group based in Hoedspruit. This role is ideal for an experienced hospitality professional with strong front office management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a team while supporting lodge operations.

Role Overview

The Assistant Front Office Manager will oversee daily front office operations, support guest services, and ensure smooth internal and external communication. The role also involves managing transfers, lodge administration, and assisting with operational planning and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Lodge Communication

• Ensure clear communication throughout the lodge from a front office perspective
  

• Prepare daily daysheets and coordinate lodge movements and activities
  

• Ensure guest preparations, confirmations, and check-in registration forms are completed
  

• Maintain accurate room allocations
  

• Assist receptionists with daysheet management and guest feedback forms
  

• Communicate actions from emails to relevant departments
  

• Support management of the airstrip and FedAir flights
  

Guest Support

• Host agent site inspections when required
  

• Confirm flight arrivals and road transfer details
  

• Communicate relevant information to Camp Managers, Hospitality Manager, Operations Manager, and Lodge Manager
  

• Prepare operational daysheets from Tourplan and update occupancy forecasts
  

• Maintain accurate guest, lodge, and driver accommodation lists
  

• Assist with check-ins, checkouts, guest bills, and hosting duties
  

Lodge Support

• Support weekly banking processes and ensure accuracy with finance
  

• Investigate and follow up on any occurrences of potential loss and report guest feedback issues
  

• Assist with monthly financial reports
  

• Balance massage treatment reports and analyse transfer/massage revenue
  

• Assist with staff roster planning for transfers, receptionists, massage therapists, and Safari Shop
  

• Facilitate training for reception and front-of-house staff on daysheet and PANstrat
  

• Ensure PANstrat is up to date and manage outstanding bills
  

• Follow up on airstrip landing fees and manage stationery requirements
  

• Approve staff leave in the Front Office Manager’s absence
  

Transfer Business

• Allocate all booked transfers and arrange last-minute requests
  

• Communicate with suppliers for outsourced services if required
  

• Maintain vehicle licenses and renewals
  

• Track transfer revenue and charges on the revenue pre-list
  

• Assist with Johannesburg logistics and maintain communication with drivers
  

Skills Required

• Excellent communication with guests and staff
  

• Positive attitude and resilience under pressure
  

• Excellent English – spoken, written, and comprehension
  

• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
  

• Strong computer skills – Word, Outlook, Excel
  

• Patience, organisation, honesty, integrity, and proactivity
  

• Leadership skills and ability to collaborate effectively
  

• Fast decision-making with responsible attitude
  

• Basic financial and business acumen
  

Knowledge Required

• Hospitality and lodge industry experience
  

• Knowledge of surrounding areas and communities
  

• Familiarity with PANstrat systems
  

Previous Work Experience

• Experience in a 4 or 5-star lodge
  

• Minimum 2 years’ front office experience
  

• Assistant management or management experience in front office is advantageous