Lodge Manager

In brief

**Overview** Staff Solutions is an editorial assistant, rewriting this job description for a client in the Hospitality Industry. They are seeking an experienced Lodge Manager to take full responsibility for one of their lodges located near Grahamstown/ Makhanda. **What you will do** The Lodge Manager is responsible for leading daily operations and maintaining high standards across the lodge. This involves setting clear standards for departmental leaders, conducting daily briefings, inspecting the property for operational readiness, and coordinating occupancy, guest arrivals, and special requests. They will implement operating procedures, resolve service failures, and ensure effective duty management. A core part of the role is enhancing the guest experience by building personal relationships, ensuring preferences are met, and taking ownership of complaints and service recovery. This includes monitoring guest feedback platforms like GuestRevu and TripAdvisor and overseeing timely responses. Regular inspections of rooms, public areas, and dining experiences are essential to consistently meet lodge standards. Financially, the manager will oversee the lodge’s operating budget and forecasts, review profit and loss results, and implement corrective actions for variances. They are responsible for controlling costs such as payroll, purchasing, food and beverage, and utilities, without compromising guest standards or asset condition. Involvement in stock counts, requisitions, cash and billing controls, and supporting sales and reservations to meet revenue targets are also key. The role also encompasses leading service quality in Food and Beverage and housekeeping, collaborating with the chef on menu standards and cost control, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring room preparation and laundry meet inspection standards. Property maintenance and asset care fall under the manager's purview, including monitoring the lodge’s condition, conducting routine inspections, implementing preventive maintenance, prioritising repairs, coordinating contractors, and planning for capital expenditure. Regarding employees, the manager will lead recruitment, induction, rostering, performance reviews, and development. They are expected to coach departmental leaders, deliver practical service training, build a respectful work environment, and address performance or grievances in accordance with company procedures. Finally, the manager is responsible for implementing health, safety, security, food safety, and environmental procedures, maintaining emergency readiness, coordinating incident responses, reporting risks, and protecting guest information and company assets. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Matric and a degree, National Diploma or certificate in Hotel Management are essential. * At least five years’ working experience in a five star lodge or hotel, with previous hospitality management experience essential. * Candidates must demonstrate leadership across departments and responsibility for operating results. * Thorough understanding of lodge operations, with strong working knowledge of Guest Relations, Front Office, Housekeeping and exceptional Food and Beverage knowledge. * Financial competence, including budgeting, interpreting operating results, cost control, stock management and sound administrative discipline. * Proficiency in OPERA and all Microsoft Office packages; experience using GuestRevu and TripAdvisor to manage guest feedback and reputation. * Excellent spoken and written English, including clear management reporting. Professional presentation, strong interpersonal skills and excellent attention to detail. * Proven ability to motivate teams and train staff, with an understanding of basic labour requirements and disciplinary procedures. * Valid driver’s licence without endorsements and own reliable vehicle or transport. * Willingness to accept a live in position is essential. * **Preferred profile:** Previous General Manager or Lodge Manager experience in a luxury safari lodge, with evidence of improving guest satisfaction, profitability, team performance and property standards. Strong planning, time management and calm decision making under pressure are important. **Who should apply** Candidates should be highly experienced hospitality professionals with at least five years in a five-star lodge or hotel, specifically with prior hospitality management experience. A formal qualification in Hotel Management (degree, National Diploma, or certificate) and Matric are essential. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities across all lodge departments, possessing a thorough understanding of lodge operations, particularly in Guest Relations, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage. Financial competence, including budgeting and cost control, is crucial, as is proficiency in OPERA and Microsoft Office, along with experience managing guest feedback via platforms like GuestRevu and TripAdvisor. Excellent spoken and written English, professional presentation, strong interpersonal skills, and exceptional attention to detail are required. Applicants must have a proven ability to motivate and train teams, understand basic labour requirements, hold a valid driver’s licence without endorsements, and be willing to accept a live-in position. Preference will be given to those with previous General Manager or Lodge Manager experience in a luxury safari lodge who can provide evidence of improving guest satisfaction, profitability, team performance, and property standards, coupled with strong planning, time management, and calm decision-making abilities under pressure. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/lodge-manager-staff-solutions Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• Microsoft Office
• Payroll
• Driver's licence

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