Safari JOBS is recruiting for an exceptional, five‑star safari lodge environment built on the strength of remarkable people. It is a culture of passion, pride and consistency where every team member plays a meaningful role in delivering outstanding guest experiences while working with genuine respect for the surrounding environment and wildlife. We are seeking an individual who is highly detail‑oriented, naturally guest‑focused, and genuinely enjoys guest interaction. The ideal candidate will be administratively strong, proactive, and confident in a setting where standards are high, days are dynamic and professionalism matters. A practical understanding of maintenance fundamentals will be important, along with a sincere interest in motivating, guiding and developing a team. This role suits a calm, capable leader who is passionate about people and who communicates with clarity and warmth. Strong verbal and written skills are essential, as relationship‑building with repeat guests, tour operators and key internal and external stakeholders forms a vital part of the position. If you are looking to build a long‑term career in a polished, five‑star lodge setting and you bring the level of commitment and excellence required, Safari JOBS would love to hear from you. Qualifications Clear criminal record. Excellent employment track record – references will be verified. Excellent English fluency & literacy (writing of emails, viewing web pages). Computer literate; IT skills. Matric / Grade 12 certificate. Hospitality management qualification. Minimum 5 years management experience within a 5* boutique operation or Big 5 reserve with a similar lodge environment. Strong operational and financial experience. High emotional intelligence. Hospitality and service training experience. Room division experience. Some experience in maintenance. Experience with the PANStrat Admin System – Advantage. Strong leadership & mentoring skills – listen, inspire and empower the team to perform their duties to the best of their ability and according to company standards; make the team feel valued to drive the departments and lodge; strong management skills; problem‑solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (listening skills, verbal communication etc); positive attitude, self‑motivated, confident; sense of humour and adventure. Structured manager with experience of leading diverse teams; energetic, proactive person with a well‑developed concept of the importance of providing a world‑class guest experience, and the ability to provide that experience; ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; competent financial and IT skills; high energy levels & drive to get things done; planning & organising; appreciation of other cultures; introduce new ideas that will enhance the department and its activities. Flexibility; strong time‑management skills; demonstrable team‑member qualities. Responsibilities Acting Lodge Manager – take full responsibility for the management of the Front of House, Housekeeping and Lodge Maintenance teams. Front of House (FOH) – inspire, stimulate and lead the FOH team; maintain the Pan FOH system; manage day sheets/rooming list/arrival report; oversee reception, curio shop and switchboard; process banking, invoices and gratuities; greet guests; conduct site inspections; monitor guest feedback via Centricity. Housekeeping – inspire, stimulate and lead the housekeeping team; maintain housekeeping standards; conduct spot checks of rooms and turndowns; manage staff uniform control. Maintenance – inspire, stimulate and lead the maintenance team; control and supervise the maintenance team; work closely with the Reserve Maintenance Manager; maintain preventative maintenance service schedules; manage staff accommodation; understand building, refrigeration, electricity, air conditioning, gardening, pool care, firefighting equipment & vehicles; pest control. Health & Safety – work closely with the Reserve Security Manager to manage health & safety of the lodge; head up the lodge Health & Safety committee; conduct risk assessments; oversee firefighting equipment and drills; provide a safe working environment for all staff. Finance – compile monthly reports, participate in the budget process and manage budget lines; control budget expenditure; attend monthly finance meetings. Staff Development & Training – develop and train staff; manage staff welfare and morale; inspire, stimulate and lead the team; maintain discipline; manage leave cycles and training files. Food & Beverage & Hospitality – knowledge of food & beverage; host guests; ensure guest delight and bush banqueting; address negative guest feedback and find solutions; assist the Senior Ranger team with vehicle inspections; go on safari to ensure we deliver on our safari experience; maintain relationships with lodge, affiliated community, owners and suppliers. Benefits Compensation: Approx. R38,000 – R40,000 per month – negotiated based on experience and qualifications. Provident Fund, Group Life & Disability, Disease Cover. Staff bed nights. Accommodation provided – private rooms with own bathroom. Uniform and laundry provided. Meals provided on duty. Work cycle: 21 days on, 7 days off plus 15 leave days per annum (applicable after three months of successful employment). Applications are open to South African citizens only. A clear criminal record is required – all potential staff undergo standard fingerprinting in line with anti‑poaching measures during the onsite interview process. #J-18808-Ljbffr