Job Summary
Lodge Manager & Field Guide Couple - Luxury Wetland Safari Lodge - iSimangaliso, KwaZulu-Natal Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a dynamic and complementary Lodge Manager and Field Guide couple for an intimate luxury safari lodge set within the UNESCO World Heritage iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the shores of Lake St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal. With eight rooms and a predominantly international guest profile, this unique property offers a deeply immersive wetland and coastal safari experience in one of South Africa's most biologically extraordinary ecosystems. This couple will be the heart of the operation - one leading the lodge from the inside, one guiding guests through an exceptional natural world. This is a couple-only role. Individual applications will not be considered. Please note: Due to accommodation constraints, this position is not suitable for candidates with children. Due to reserve policy, pets are also not permitted. Minimum Requirements: Lodge Manager Partner: Minimum 3 years' lodge management experience within a 4 to 5-star lodge - essential Strong HR, staff management, scheduling and time management skills Experience with Semper PMS or similar reservations system - advantageous Solid administrative and organisational skills Strong guest hosting, liaison and bar service experience Sound understanding of health, safety, hygiene and sustainability standards Housekeeping oversight and quality control experience Financial acumen including stock takes, billing, check-ins and check-outs Experience working with kitchen teams on dietary requirements and food planning Valid South African driver's licence - essential Well-presented; professional and adaptable Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references Field Guide Partner: FGASA NQF4 (Level 2) minimum - essential Trails Guide qualification preferred (Apprentice Trails Guides will be considered) Valid CATHSSETA registration - essential Valid NDT registration - essential Valid First Aid certificate - essential Valid PrDP - essential Valid Police Clearance Certificate - essential Skippers Licence advantageous (candidate will be expected to obtain this) Minimum 3 years' guiding experience in a luxury lodge environment - essential Genuine passion for and knowledge of coastal, wetland, birding and botanical environments - essential Ability to conduct boat safaris, beach safaris, night drives and game drives Basic vehicle maintenance ability Self-motivated with strong hosting and guest interaction skills Willing to assist with bar duties and general lodge support when required Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references About the Guiding Environment: This is not a traditional Big Five role. The lodge is set within a spectacular wetland and coastal ecosystem home to elephant, buffalo, hyena and leopard - but the real story here is the extraordinary birding, marine life, plant life and coastal ecology. We need a guide who sees the magic in the smaller things. Key Responsibilities: Lodge Manager: Manage all day-to-day lodge operations and staff across all departments Oversee staff scheduling, duties, shifts and time management Coordinate activities with guides and assist with guide setups and logistics Conduct housekeeping checks and maintain property standards throughout Work with kitchen team on guest dietary requirements and food planning Serve; host and engage with guests across all touchpoints including bar duties Manage all check-ins, check-outs and billing accurately Handle reservations, client communication and activity coordination Manage stock takes, shopping trips and lodge procurement Oversee health, safety and sustainability compliance Field Guide: Lead game drives, boat safaris, beach safaris and night drives Deliver engaging, educational and personalised guiding experiences focused on the wetland, coastal and ecological environment Conduct vehicle maintenance checks and adhere to ranger vehicle procedures Work towards obtaining or maintaining Skippers Licence Assist with hosting, bar duties and general lodge support when required Package: Lodge Manager Salary: R20,000 to R30,000 per month (DOE) Field Guide Salary: R15,000 to R20,000 per month (negotiable DOE) Live-in: 1-bedroom air-conditioned cottage with open-plan lounge, kitchen and outdoor patio Meals provided on duty Guide personal tip box with own key Deductions: PAYE and UIF Start date: ASAP (willing to wait for the right couple) To apply, please submit for both partners: Updated CVs (including last salary slips) Copy of South African IDs Copies of valid driver's licences and all guiding qualifications Contactable and traceable references Should you both feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply ASAP! ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.