SUMMARY:
A private game reserve in northern Limpopo, home to the Big Five and a strong conservation ethos, is seeking a commercially driven GENERAL MANAGER COUPLE to lead its lodges into their next chapter.
POSITION INFO:
The ideal couple brings a complementary mix of commercial acumen and hands-on lodge leadership. One partner will drive occupancy and revenue growth and lead an established management team; the other will support the operation in a role that suits their strengths. The role is based at the reserve, with regular local and international travel for trade and marketing. Core Criteria: Couple with complementary skills, willing to live and work together in a remote bush setting Lead partner with a minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior commercial, general management or lodge leadership role within safari, lodge or luxury hospitality Proven track record of growing occupancy and revenue, supported by results Established network among tour operators, DMCs and agents in southern Africa and key source markets Experience representing a property or brand at international trade fairs Strong commercial judgement on pricing, packaging and distribution, with confident use of data, CRM and booking systems General management or full lodge operations experience, including team leadership, budgets and guest experience Ability to run marketing campaigns from concept to results across digital, social, email and trade Excellent written and spoken English; a second European language is an advantage Willingness to travel regularly for trade and marketing purposes Driven, entrepreneurial and resilient, with patience for long sales cycles Genuine love for the bush and conservation Respectful leaders who earn the trust of an experienced team Core Responsibilities: Own occupancy and revenue performance across all lodges and camps, and develop the annual commercial plan Set rates, packages and seasonal offers, and manage inventory to strengthen low-season and midweek trade Develop new revenue streams such as trail safaris, weddings, group and incentive stays, and conservation and photography experiences Track bookings, conversion and channel performance, and adjust strategy as the market shifts Build and nurture relationships with tour operators, DMCs, travel agents and specialist safari sellers Represent the reserve at key trade fairs and host familiarisation trips Negotiate trade contracts and rates, and oversee the marketing budget and its returns Guide the brand presentation across web, social media, photography and PR, with conservation at the forefront Lead the lodge and reserve managers to maintain and raise standards, safety and guest experience Ensure the product sold matches the experience delivered, and feed guest feedback back into the team Support the development of the existing management team Review financial results with the owners, manage costs sensibly and report on commercial and operational performance Champion the reserve's conservation mission and support relationships with neighbouring communities and conservation partners On Offer: Competitive base salary Performance bonus linked to occupancy and revenue, with a clearly defined structure Live-in position with a 3-bedroom house Travel and trade-fair budget Genuine ownership of the commercial direction, backed by supportive owners A remarkable wilderness and heritage landscape to call home
