General Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge

SUMMARY:
eMkhuze - Are you a passionate hospitality leader who thrives on creating unforgettable guest experiences in the heart of the African bush? We are seeking a dedicated, hands-on General Manager to step into a premier live-in role and lead a beautiful safari lodge to operational excellence.

POSITION INFO:
Our client operates a boutique, high-end safari lodge within a premier South African game reserve, dedicated to providing guests with an authentic, luxury wilderness experience. The Lodge General Manager takes full, independent responsibility for the day-to-day operations, guest journey, and staff leadership at the lodge. This live-in position requires a versatile leader who balances exceptional guest hosting with smooth operational management, working in close coordination with a centralised Head Office. Key responsibilities Lodge Operations & Guest Experience: Oversee the complete guest journey from arrival to departure, hosting guests and ensuring world-class service standards. Food & Beverage Oversight: Manage kitchen operations, including meal planning, stock control, and assisting with meal service to maintain a personalised dining experience. Head Office Coordination: Support HQ with on-site execution of bookings, room allocations, accurate daily reporting, and budget inputs. Property & Environmental Oversight: Monitor overall property infrastructure, manage maintenance schedules, and coordinate land management activities (such as bush clearing and controlled burns) in line with reserve regulations. Staff Leadership: Lead, train, and manage the on-site team, including housekeeping, kitchen staff, administration, and rangers. Financial & Compliance Reporting: Manage on-site operational expenses within budget, control wastage, and compile monthly operational and Section Manager reports. Requirements Proven experience as a Lodge Manager or General Manager within a safari lodge or reserve environment. Strong culinary ability and confidence in the kitchen with an eye for food presentation and quality. Excellent communication, organisational, and administrative skills. Ability to work independently and effectively manage operations in a remote environment. A valid South African driver's licence (Code 10 is highly advantageous). A relevant hospitality or lodge management qualification is preferred. First Aid certification and a basic understanding of lodge maintenance systems are advantageous. Attributes Confident, reliable, and highly adaptable. Guest-focused with a warm, welcoming, and professional demeanour. A proactive, hands-on, and solutions-driven approach to challenges. Well-presented with exceptional attention to detail. Comfortable living and working in a remote bush environment. Salary Market related Unfurnished live-in accommodation and uniform are provided. ***Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.***