Assistant Lodge Manager - Luxury Safari Camp | Hoedspruit | Lb

Assistant Lodge Manager Luxury Safari Camp | Hoedspruit Salary: R38,000 R40;000 Live-in Position Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Assistant Lodge Manager for a luxury safari camp based in Hoedspruit. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic hospitality professional who is passionate about guest delight, strong team leadership, and delivering a world-class safari experience. Key Responsibilities: Acting Leadership Act as Lodge Manager in the absence of the Lodge Manager Take full responsibility for managing multiple lodge departments Front of House Inspire, stimulate and lead the FOH team Maintain the Pan FOH system Oversee day sheets, rooming lists and arrival reports Supervise reception, curio shop and switchboard operations Manage banking, invoices and gratuities Welcome and bid farewell to guests Conduct site inspections and ensure show time standards Manage guest feedback via the Centricity Feedback system Housekeeping Inspire, stimulate and lead the Housekeeping team Maintain exceptional housekeeping standards Conduct spot checks of rooms and turndowns Manage staff uniform control Lodge Maintenance Inspire, stimulate and lead the Maintenance team Control and supervise maintenance operations Work closely with the Reserve Maintenance Manager Oversee preventative maintenance schedules Supervise staff accommodation upkeep Ensure knowledge and oversight of building maintenance, refrigeration, electrical systems, air conditioners, gardening, pool care, firefighting equipment and vehicles Oversee pest control Health & Safety Work closely with the Reserve Security Manager on lodge Health & Safety Head up the Lodge Health & Safety Committee Conduct lodge risk assessments Oversee firefighting equipment and drills Ensure a safe working environment for all staff Finance & Budgeting Compile monthly reports Participate in the annual budgeting process Manage budget lines and control expenditure Attend and contribute to monthly finance meetings Human Resources & Team Development Staff development and training Overall staff management, welfare and morale Inspire and lead the team while maintaining discipline Manage leave cycles and training files Maintain positive relationships with the local community, owners and suppliers Guest Experience & Operations Knowledge of food & beverage operations Host guests and assist with bush banqueting experiences Address and resolve negative guest feedback promptly Assist Head Ranger / Senior Ranger team with vehicle inspections Join safari activities to ensure exceptional safari delivery Ideal Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, guest-focused and passionate about hospitality within a luxury safari environment. You will be a natural leader with strong administrative ability, maintenance knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for staff motivation and development. Leadership Strong leadership and mentoring skills Ability to inspire, empower and develop teams Strong management and problem-solving skills Personality Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Positive, self-motivated and confident Sense of humour and adventure Specific Job Skills Strong people management skills Experience leading diverse teams High standard of guest service delivery Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Practical maintenance understanding Competent financial and IT skills Strong planning and organising ability Appreciation of diverse cultures Ability to introduce innovative ideas Computer & Administrative Skills Computer literate with strong IT skills Fluent in English (spoken and written) Excellent literacy and email communication skills Team Player Attributes Flexible and adaptable Strong time-management skills Demonstrable team player qualities Qualifications & Experience Required Minimum 5 years management experience in a 5-star boutique lodge or Big 5 reserve environment Hospitality Management qualification Strong operational and financial experience High emotional intelligence Hospitality and service training experience Room Division experience Practical maintenance experience Valid drivers licence and own reliable transport If you are a high-energy hospitality professional ready to take the next step in your luxury safari career, this opportunity offers the perfect platform to grow within a leading lodge environment.