Kendrick Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager on behalf of a luxury 5-star lodge located in Limpopo. The successful candidate will be based in Cape Town, working closely with the lodge’s operational and reservations teams.

This role is suited to a commercially driven hospitality professional with strong experience in revenue management, travel trade sales, and digital marketing within the luxury tourism or safari sector.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Management

• Develop and implement pricing and yield strategies to optimise occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR in line with seasonal trends and demand
  

• Monitor booking patterns, competitor performance, and market demand to proactively adjust strategies
  

• Manage distribution channels, ensuring rate parity and maximising direct bookings
  

• Produce monthly performance and forecasting reports, highlighting revenue opportunities
  

• Collaborate with reservations to refine booking procedures and enhance guest conversion through the use of AI
  

Travel & Trade Sales

• Build and maintain strong relationships with travel trade partners, including tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, and luxury safari specialists
  

• Represent the lodge at trade shows, roadshows, and online travel platforms
  

• Negotiate rates and packages with domestic and international operators
  

• Identify new market opportunities within niche segments such as honeymoon travel, conservation tourism, small groups, and exclusive-use bookings
  

• Conduct market visits, property tours, and partner engagements to strengthen brand presence
  

Digital Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Design and execute targeted digital campaigns across Google Ads, Meta Ads, and email marketing
  

• Oversee the lodge’s online presence, including website performance, SEO, and brand storytelling content
  

• Manage social media channels to authentically showcase wildlife experiences, conservation initiatives, and guest stories
  

• Track and analyse marketing performance, ensuring strong ROI and engagement
  

• Collaborate with photographers, content creators, and PR partners to position the lodge as a leading safari destination
  

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years’ experience in hospitality revenue management, travel trade sales, or digital marketing
  

• Experience within the luxury lodge or safari sector is highly advantageous
  

• Strong understanding of tourism distribution systems, OTAs, and travel trade partnerships
  

• Experience with Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, OTA Insight, PMS, CRS, and sales reporting tools
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong brand storytelling ability
  

• Passion for nature-based tourism, conservation, and authentic guest experiences
  

Key Competencies

• Analytical, strategic, and commercial mindset with strong negotiation skills
  

• Data-driven approach with a clear understanding of performance metrics
  

• Creative thinking in marketing and content development
  

• Understanding of high-end hospitality and guest expectations in a safari setting
  

• Ability to balance revenue objectives with brand integrity and guest satisfaction
  

• Team-oriented, adaptable, and proactive within a remote lodge environment
  

• Strong multitasking and relationship management skills
  

Performance Indicators

• Growth in total room and package revenue, including RevPAR and ADR
  

• Increase in direct bookings versus OTA contribution
  

• Expansion of trade partnerships and repeat business from key agents
  

• Improved digital engagement metrics and campaign ROI
  

• Consistent brand representation across all online and offline channels
  

Candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment for consideration.