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? General Manager – Luxury Big 5 Game Lodge (KwaZulu‑Natal) Salary: Highly competitive, DOE Accommodation: Live‑in Start: TBC A prestigious Big 5 game lodge in KwaZulu‑Natal is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the property with vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to guest experience and conservation. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned hospitality leader to take full accountability for a high‑end lodge and shape its next chapter. ✨ Key Responsibilities The General Manager holds full operational and strategic responsibility for the lodge, ensuring a guest experience that is quietly extraordinary while driving a sustainable and profitable business. Leadership & Operations Provide overall leadership across all departments, including lodge operations, kitchen, guiding, and reserve interface. Lead and mentor the senior management team (Head Chef, Head Ranger, Reservations, Finance). Ensure seamless daily operations with a calm, hands‑on, visible leadership style. Step into any operational area when required, modelling excellence and teamwork. Commercial & Strategic Management Own the commercial performance of the property: revenue, occupancy, ADR, cost control, and profitability. Develop and execute the annual business plan and capital projects in consultation with shareholders. Oversee supplier relationships, procurement, and contracting to protect margins without compromising standards. Guest Experience & Brand Drive a consistently exceptional guest journey from enquiry to departure and beyond. Build a culture of warmth, pride, and quiet excellence across the team. Contribute to brand positioning, marketing initiatives, and content strategy aligned with a premium Big 5 experience. Manage relationships with travel partners, tour operators, media, and industry bodies. People & Culture Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning. Foster a values‑driven, motivated, and high‑performing team environment. Conservation; Compliance & Sustainability Champion sustainability initiatives with measurable annual goals. Communicate and embody the lodge’s conservation ethos with guests, staff, and partners. Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and Health & Safety requirements. ? Skills & Experience Required Minimum 10 years senior hospitality experience ; including 3+ years as General Manager, Lodge Director, or Resident Manager at a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, or private reserve. Formal qualification in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field (postgraduate advantageous). Proven commercial acumen with a track record of revenue growth and margin management. Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and guide a small, tight‑knit team. Deep experience in luxury guest relations, including VIP handling and complex guest scenarios. Working knowledge of PMS, channel management systems, and financial reporting tools. Solid understanding of South African labour law, Health & Safety, and lodge‑related regulatory frameworks. Genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, and the rhythms of the bush. Polished; professional communication with excellent written and spoken English. A second language (especially isiZulu or a major international language) is an advantage. Stamina; resilience, and willingness to live on or near the property. Valid South African driver’s licence. South African citizen or valid work permit.
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