Lodge Anchor

Location: Philippolis

Private Game Reserve based close to Philippolis is looking for a Lodge Anchor.

The Lodge Anchor plays a crucial role in supporting the Lodge Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the lodge, ensuring an exceptional guest experience, and maintaining high standards in all departments.

This position requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for hospitality and conservation. The ideal candidate will assist in managing staff, coordinating guest services and ensuring seamless lodge operations while upholding the lodge’s core values and sustainability practices.

Additionally, the Lodge Anchor will focus on front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring smooth daily functions and adherence to standard operating procedures.

This role offers opportunities for growth into an Assistant Lodge Manager position.

Duties:

Guest Experience & Hospitality:

Ensure a world-class guest experience by maintaining exceptional service standards.
Host meals and services, providing a warm and professional guest environment.
Greet and interact with guests, addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
Oversee guest check-in and check-out processes to ensure smooth operations.
Assist in curating unique experiences for guests, particularly photographers seeking exclusive wildlife encounters.
Welcome guests back from safaris, ensuring a seamless transition between activities.

Operations & Administration:

Support the Lodge Manager in daily operations, including front-of-house, housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance teams.
Monitor daily lodge activities, ensuring all departments function efficiently and cohesively.
Assist in stock control for bar, curio, food and housekeeping departments, enforcing stock procedures and capturing data for financial tracking.
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Ensure maintenance issues are reported and resolved promptly.
Capture operational data for required teams and assist in month-end procedures.

Staff Management & Development:

Supervise and provide leadership to various teams, ensuring high service standards and smooth operations.
Assist in scheduling shifts and ensuring optimal staff coverage.
Conduct training and development programs to enhance service standards and ensure the implementation of SOPs.
Lead by example as an instinctive trainer, actively developing team members’ skills.
Address performance issues and provide constructive feedback to staff.

Financial Oversight:

Assist in tracking lodge budgets by managing stock and ensuring stock procedures are followed.
Monitor lodge expenditures and optimise resources to maximise efficiency.
Ensure financial accountability through proper record-keeping.
The Lodge Manager will handle the final financial reporting for the month-end.

Sustainability & Conservation:

Support the lodge’s sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and eco-friendly practices.
Oversee and ensure the smooth operation of solar power systems.
Promote and enforce conservation-focused operational practices.

Requirements:

Grade 12
A formal qualification
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a hospitality management role, preferably in a luxury lodge environment.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Passion for guest service and attention to detail.
Strong understanding of lodge operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house functions.

Experience with reservations systems and property management software (e.g., PANstrat, Res Request, Semper, etc.).
Financial acumen and basic accounting knowledge.
Knowledge of conservation and sustainable tourism practices is an advantage.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to work independently and manage operations in the absence of the Lodge Manager.
Strong personal management and time management skills.
Ability to work under pressure in a remote, high-performance environment.
Excellent communication skills.