General Manager

SUMMARY:
Position Overview
The General Manager is responsible for the full operational, financial, and strategic leadership of a game lodge or safari lodge. This role oversees all eco-tourism and/or hunting-related activities, hospitality operations, staff management, guest experience, marketing, conservation alignment, and business development.
The ideal candidate is an experienced hospitality professional with a strong background in lodge management, luxury guest services, wildlife operations, and developing profitable, sustainable tourism offerings. The General Manager ensures world-class service delivery while driving growth and maintaining strong conservation and community relationships.
 
Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Development & Operations

• Develop and implement long-term business strategies for eco-tourism, hospitality, and, where applicable, hunting operations.
• Oversee daily lodge operations, including accommodation, guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, food & beverage, and activities.
• Establish operational systems, SOPs, budgets, policies, and performance standards.
• Ensure all activities align with conservation, sustainability, and ethical tourism practices.
• Drive continuous improvement across all operational areas.

1. Marketing & Business Development

• Create and execute marketing strategies to position the lodge as a premier tourism destination.
• Build and maintain relationships with tour operators, travel agents, travel platforms, and industry partners.
• Oversee digital marketing, social media, and online presence to increase visibility and bookings.
• Represent the lodge at tourism fairs, trade shows, and networking events when required.

1. Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Ensure a 5-star guest experience from arrival to departure.
• Personalise experiences for various guest profiles, including eco-tourism, photographic safaris, and hunting guests (where applicable).
• Monitor guest feedback, implement service improvements, and maintain high satisfaction ratings.
• Uphold service standards and ensure all staff deliver exceptional hospitality.

1. Financial & Administrative Management

• Prepare annual business plans, budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Monitor costs, control expenditure, and ensure profitability targets are achieved.
• Oversee procurement, supplier management, and inventory control.
• Ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and administrative efficiency.

1. People Leadership & Human Resources

• Recruit, train, lead, and manage a multi-disciplinary team across hospitality, field operations, and support services.
• Implement staff development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster a positive culture of professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
• Ensure HR compliance and fair labour practices.

1. Conservation & Community Engagement

• Work collaboratively with conservation teams to integrate eco-focused initiatives into guest experiences.
• Ensure all wildlife-related activities, including ethical hunting where applicable, meet conservation standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities.
• Support socio-economic upliftment projects and community engagement programs.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Eco-Tourism, Wildlife Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years lodge or game reserve management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to establish, grow, or transform lodge operations.
• In-depth understanding of eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and guest experience dynamics.
• Experience in managing high-end or luxury safari lodges is highly advantageous.
• Strong financial and business management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid driver’s licence; firearm competency advantageous depending on lodge operations.

• Visionary, strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive.
• Passion for conservation, hospitality, and wildlife.
• Hands-on, practical problem-solver with strong operational insight.
• Exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication abilities.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and results-driven.
• Able to thrive in a remote, fast-paced lodge environment.