SUMMARY:
A private game reserve in northern Limpopo, home to the Big Five is seeking an experienced GENERAL MANAGER to lead the operation into its next phase of growth.
POSITION INFO:
This is a commercially driven leadership role for someone who can grow occupancy and revenue while protecting the standards, team culture and conservation ethos that define the reserve. You will carry full general management responsibility, working alongside an established team of lodge and reserve managers. Core Criteria: At least 5 years in a senior commercial, general management or lodge leadership role within safari or luxury hospitality Proven track record of growing occupancy and revenue, backed by numbers 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 Full lodge operations and general management experience, including leading teams, managing budgets and owning guest experience Strong commercial judgement on pricing, packaging and distribution, and comfortable using data, CRM and booking systems Able to run a marketing campaign from idea to results across digital, social, email and trade Natural business developer who opens doors, builds lasting trade relationships and follows through to bookings Excellent written and spoken English (another European language is a plus) Willing to travel regularly within South Africa and abroad for trade and marketing Driven, entrepreneurial and resilient, with the patience for a sales cycle that plays out over months Genuine love for the bush and conservation, and comfortable with remote living Respectful, hands-on leader who earns the trust of an experienced team Core Responsibilities: Own occupancy and revenue performance across all lodges and camps, and build the annual commercial plan Set rates, packages and seasonal offers, and manage inventory to strengthen low-season and midweek trade Develop new revenue streams, including 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 maintain relationships with tour operators, DMCs, travel agents and specialist safari sellers Represent the reserve at major trade fairs and industry events, and host familiarisation trips Negotiate trade contracts and rates, and oversee the marketing budget Shape the brand across website, social media, photography and PR, with conservation at the centre of the story Lead the lodge and reserve managers to maintain safety, standards and guest experience Review financial results with the owners, manage costs and report on commercial and operational performance Champion conservation initiatives and support relationships with neighbouring communities and conservation partners On Offer: Salary: negotiable, depending on experience Performance bonus linked to occupancy and revenue, with a clearly defined structure Live-in position with accommodation on the reserve Travel and trade-fair budget Real ownership of the reserve's commercial direction, with owners who back good ideas Reports directly to the owners
