Hospitality General Manager Job Port Elizabeth area,South Africa,Hospitality / Hotel / Catering

The General Manager is responsible for the overall management, leadership, and profitability of a luxury safari lodge or private game reserve. This role ensures exceptional guest experiences in a wildlife and wilderness setting while maintaining operational excellence, staff development, and financial performance. The General Manager serves as the face of the lodge, balancing guest satisfaction, conservation values, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management:

Oversee all aspects of lodge operations, including guest services, accommodation, food & beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and safari/game operations.
Ensure smooth daily operations in often remote or wilderness settings, anticipating and solving challenges proactively.
Maintain high operational standards and lodge SOPs tailored to luxury safari experiences.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence:

Deliver exceptional, personalized guest experiences, maintaining the lodge’s luxury and authenticity standards.
Handle guest feedback and complaints promptly and professionally, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
Collaborate with guides, trackers, and hosts to create seamless safari experiences.

Financial Management:

Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
Monitor revenue streams, occupancy rates, and operational costs to optimize profitability.
Ensure cost control without compromising guest experience or safety.

Team Leadership & Development:

Recruit, train, and mentor lodge staff, including guides, trackers, chefs, and housekeeping teams.
Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching to develop high-performing teams.
Promote a culture of professionalism, motivation, and safety.

Conservation & Compliance:

Ensure lodge operations align with wildlife conservation and sustainability principles.
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the reserve.
Support anti-poaching, environmental, and community initiatives as part of corporate social responsibility.

Strategic Planning & Business Development:

Collaborate with ownership on lodge strategy, marketing, and growth initiatives.
Monitor market trends in luxury safari tourism and implement innovative guest offerings.

Strengthen the lodge’s reputation through relationships with tour operators, travel partners, and guests

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business, or related field preferred.
Minimum 5–10 years in senior hospitality management, ideally within safari lodges, luxury lodges, or game reserves.
Strong experience in operations, guest relations, and financial management in remote settings.
Knowledge of safari operations, wildlife safety protocols, and conservation principles an advantage.
Proven track record in leading diverse teams in a luxury tourism environment.

Key Skills & Competencies:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strong financial and operational acumen.
Ability to problem-solve creatively in remote or high-pressure environments.
Passion for wildlife, conservation, and delivering luxury experiences.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on, “lead-from-the-front” approach.


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