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General Manager (Lodges) - 5* Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape | Sl
HotelJobs Wednesday, 10 June 2026Job Summary
General Manager - 5* Private Game Reserve - Eastern Cape Kendrick Recruitment is conducting a confidential search for an exceptional General Manager for one of South Africa's most prestigious privately owned game reserves - a renowned, malaria-free ultra-luxury Big Five reserve in the Grahamstown/Great Fish River region of the Eastern Cape, celebrated for its quality guiding, understated luxury and deeply immersive safari experiences. The reserve spans 22,000 hectares of rolling hills and encompasses four distinct lodges and exclusive-use properties, each with its own identity and guest offering. The General Manager will carry full accountability for the operation, team and guest experience across the entire reserve - reporting directly to the owner and owning family who remain closely involved in the business. This is a rare, senior leadership appointment for someone with the calibre, character and experience to represent one of South Africa's most respected safari brands at the highest level. Please note: This is a live-in position. The reserve is remotely located in the Eastern Cape. Candidates must be fully comfortable with and committed to lodge-based living in a remote wilderness environment. Minimum Requirements: Minimum 5 to 8 years' senior management experience as a General Manager or equivalent in a 5-star game lodge environment - essential Proven track record managing a multi-lodge or multi-unit luxury hospitality operation Top-tier luxury brand experience strongly preferred Relevant hospitality or business management qualification Exceptional financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and reporting Strong HR leadership skills - ability to develop, inspire and retain a high-performing team across multiple properties Sound understanding of conservation principles and community-focused tourism Excellent guest relations skills - comfortable and confident hosting discerning international guests, agents, media and VIPs Experience managing owner relationships with sensitivity, transparency and professionalism Solid understanding of lodge systems, reservations and property management Valid PrDP and driver's license Valid passport Impeccable references and a clean track record - non-negotiable Stable career history with a demonstrable record of excellence Key Responsibilities: Full general management accountability across all lodges and exclusive-use properties on the reserve Oversee and align all departments including guiding, F&B, housekeeping, maintenance, conservation, community and administration Drive and maintain the highest standards of guest experience consistent with the brand Lead; develop and manage all heads of department and broader staff complement Full financial oversight including budget management, cost control, forecasting and reporting to ownership Manage the owner relationship - providing regular operational updates and ensuring the family's vision and standards are upheld at all times Oversee conservation and community initiatives integral to the reserve's identity and mission Host agents, media, VIPs and ownership with the appropriate level of personal engagement Manage supplier and contractor relationships Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental and labour legislation Drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the reserve's operation and guest offering Who You Are: A natural, confident leader who commands respect and inspires loyalty Deeply guest-focused with impeccable personal presentation and hospitality instincts Commercially sharp but never at the expense of the guest or team experience Genuinely passionate about conservation, the African wilderness and sustainable luxury tourism Calm; decisive and solutions-driven under pressure Discreet; professional and trustworthy in managing an owner-run business Package: Competitive senior-level package Live-in: Accommodation provided Should you feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply with your updated CV, contactable references and a recent head & shoulders photo ASAP! ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
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