Lodge Manager / Field Guide Couple

SUMMARY:
5* Lodge close to Thabazimbi is looking for a Lodge Manager / Field Guide Couple.

POSITION INFO:
Lodge Manager:

Assume full responsibility for the overall property operations.
Meet with the General Manager as required and update on property operations.
Be a key ambassador of the brand including hosting site inspections, communicating with the market and hosting journalists.
Ensure that property standards are upheld and maintained.
Ensure the departmental management personnel of the property is up to standard, ensuring a streamlined and effective structure in line with hospitality trends.
Have weekly one on one meetings with all HODs reporting directly.
Assist in the event that one of the management or HOD positions is vacant.
Assist in achieving the best procurement agreements for the property
Keep the property innovative in its guest experience and up to date with both competitor offerings and current trends in the hospitality industry.
Be readily available to deal with all guest queries and complaints. Responding to complaints to be dealt with in a pleasant, constructive manner always, using the feedback as a learning experience and platform for constructive discussion.

Staff development & Management:

Earmark and develop individuals who show potential to grow into higher positions at the property and within the greater group.
Implement training and facilitate appointed internal and external trainers.
Assist in facilitating cross property training for employees
Provide effective leadership through professional management and encouragement of all subordinates.
Take part in regular operations forums with the intention of aligning the management teams and ensuring optimized teamwork and collaboration.
Take part in regular operations forums with the intention of aligning the management teams and ensuring optimized teamwork and collaboration.
Drive and monitor the effective implementation and execution of performance management and succession planning processes.
Carry out regular, meaningful performance appraisals
Follow up and ensure that the agreed action and developmental plans identified at these appraisals are being affected.

Requirements:

Grade 12
Formal Hospitality qualification.
At least 3+ Senior Hospitality Management positions.
Knowledge of MS Office Suite.
Experience and proven track record of having made targets.
Product and market knowledge, including international trends.
Sound knowledge of product and supply.
Valid Code 8 Driver's License
Own reliable transport essential.

Field Guide:

Follow all procedures for maintaining the overall operation of the Guides and Safari department, including individual, family and kids’ safari experiences, safety, excellent guest and staff relations, hosting of guests, and all equipment, vehicles and assets.
Perform all Field Guide functions according to standards, including guest introductory and safety orientations, guided game drives and interpretive bush walks, tracking, identification of spoor, delivering informative lectures on relevant ecological topics, and drinks stops and other bush events.
Be available for all game drives, back-up drives, and stand-by duties as directed.
Practice proficient and safe weapon handling as directed.
Contribute to the lodge social media platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of relevant and appealing information with the broad aim of increasing knowledge of the wildlife and operating area.
Assist with incident handling in the event of emergency / evacuation, including medical emergencies, fire, and flood.

Requirements:

Grade 12
FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF4)
Trails Guide Qualification
ARH and Rifle Proficiency
First Aid Level 1
Driver’s License and Pr-DP.
Previous experience as Field Guide at a luxury Safari Lodge