Senior Duty Manager

SUMMARY:
An intimate five-star safari lodge in the malaria-free Waterberg, is seeking an experienced SENIOR DUTY MANAGER to lead daily operations

POSITION INFO:
This is a hands-on senior role for a luxury hospitality professional who can lead teams across departments, host discerning guests and take ownership of service, presentation and guest concerns, stepping in as the senior point of contact when the Resident Manager is away. Core Criteria: Proven leadership experience as a Senior Duty Manager, Assistant Lodge Manager or similar role in luxury hospitality Luxury safari lodge or tented camp experience Ability to deliver personalised guest service and handle sensitive complaints with discretion, authority and follow-through Experience coordinating housekeeping, maintenance and food and beverage, with sound judgment under pressure Strong administration and reporting skills, including proficiency in Opera Practical experience monitoring budgets, controlling costs and overseeing purchasing, stocktakes and stock variances Valid driver's licence Physically able to carry out the duties of the role and to work safely around wildlife Willingness to work extended and flexible hours as operations require Immediately available candidates will be at an advantage Sound judgment, discretion and the confidence to make decisions independently Composure under pressure, close attention to detail and the ability to prioritise A visible, hands-on leadership style that builds accountability and holds teams to five-star standards Core Responsibilities: Lead the guest experience from arrival to departure, including honeymoon and anniversary arrangements, private dining and special requests Protect the privacy of each suite while delivering personalised service Lead service recovery, resolve sensitive complaints within delegated authority and confirm agreed actions are completed Set daily priorities, run duty briefings and ensure clear handovers and accountability across departments Coach team members, reinforce service standards and address performance or conduct issues promptly Verify the readiness of all eight suites, including decks, plunge pools, salas and bathrooms, and check public areas to the same standard Prioritise maintenance issues by guest impact and safety, escalate urgent defects and confirm repairs are completed Lead restaurant and private deck dining, timing meals around morning and evening game drives and confirming dietary requirements with the kitchen Oversee food and beverage stock, service quality and wastage Manage stock ordering and stocktakes, investigate variances and enforce purchasing controls Track departmental spend against budget and support payroll administration Submit weekly reports highlighting operational risks and actions needed Act as the senior operational contact in the Resident Manager's absence, deciding within delegated authority and escalating significant incidents promptly Coordinate guest movements and game-drive departures with the field guides Maintain safety and emergency procedures suited to a cliffside property within a wildlife reserve