General Manager

SUMMARY:
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and highly experienced General Manager to lead all operations of a prestigious game reserve and safari lodge. This individual will be tasked with marketing and developing the eco-tourism division from inception, while also optimising and marketing the existing hunting operations in close proximity to the existing hunting division manager.
The ideal candidate is a visionary hospitality leader with a proven track record in luxury safari management, eco-tourism development, and game reserve operations. He / she will be responsible for driving profitable growth, ensuring world-class guest experiences, and building the lodge’s reputation as a premier destination for both hunting and conservation-based tourism.
Ufumene Game Reserve currently operates 2 reserves close one to the other, allowing needed flexibility to support both hunting and eco-tourism activity according to typology of guests.
 
Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Development & Operations

• Design and implement a comprehensive Eco-Tourism business strategy, including product design / value proposition, guest experience, conservation activities, and partnerships.
• Support the hunting division in close proximity to the existing hunting division manager, ensuring operations meet ethical and conservation standards, and giving insights for growth initiatives.
• Oversee all lodge operations, including hospitality, guest services, maintenance, logistics, and staff management.
• Establish operational systems, budgets, SOPs, and performance benchmarks.
• Drive sustainability initiatives aligned with the lodge’s conservation and community values.

1. Marketing & Business Development

• Develop and execute marketing plans to position the lodge as a leading eco-safari and hunting destination.
• Build strategic relationships with tour operators, travel agents, hunting outfitters, and online travel platforms.
• Oversee the digital marketing and social media strategy to drive bookings and international visibility, and leverage on the 2 existing web sites to support each activity.
• If useful, attend tourism fairs, hunting expos, and travel shows locally and abroad (e.g., USA roadshows).

1. Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Ensure a five-star guest experience across all touchpoints – from arrival to departure.
• Personalise experiences for eco-tourism and hunting guests, ensuring each activity reflects the lodge’s unique value.
• Establish and monitor service quality standards and guest satisfaction metrics.

1. Financial & Administrative Management

• Prepare annual business plans, forecasts, and operational budgets.
• Monitor and control expenditure to meet profitability targets.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure cost-effective procurement.

1. People Leadership & HR

• Recruit, train, and motivate a multi-disciplinary team (hospitality, field, and operational staff).
• Implement professional development and succession planning programs.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

1. Conservation & Community Engagement

• Work collaboratively with conservation teams to align eco-tourism and hunting practices with sustainability goals.
• Engage with local communities and support socio-economic upliftment projects.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Eco-Tourism, Wildlife Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in luxury safari lodge or game reserve management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in developing or transforming a lodge operation, ideally from inception.
• In-depth understanding of both eco-tourism and ethical hunting operations.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million-rand operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and guest relations skills.
• International marketing or tour operator network experience is highly advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence; firearm competency an advantage but not essential.

• Visionary leader with entrepreneurial drive.
• Deep passion for conservation, hospitality, and African wildlife.
• Strong problem-solver with hands-on operational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication abilities.
• Results-driven with a balance between business acumen and guest-centric values.