ASSISTANT LODGE MANAGEMENT COUPLE

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic, service-oriented, hands-on and experienced Assistant Lodge Management Couple to join a luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area.
The successful couple will play an integral role in the overall management and smooth daily operation of the lodge. The position requires strong leadership abilities, exceptional guest-service skills, excellent organisational capabilities and a proactive, hands-on approach.
The couple should have complementary skills, with a particularly strong Food & Beverage background, and the ability to oversee and support multiple operational departments.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the overall management and daily operations of the lodge.
• Ensure consistently high standards of guest service and hospitality.
• Oversee and coordinate Food & Beverage operations, including menu planning, costing, presentation and wine service.
• Manage and oversee reservations and reception functions.
• Ensure effective housekeeping operations and maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Oversee lodge grounds and general property presentation.
• Assist with maintenance management and ensure maintenance issues are identified and addressed promptly.
• Assist with administration, stock control and operational reporting.
• Monitor operational costs and implement effective cost-control measures.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Lead, motivate, train and manage lodge staff.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and monitor staff performance.
• Maintain effective communication between all departments.
• Assist with planning and coordinating lodge activities and guest experiences.
• Take a hands-on approach to daily operations and assist wherever required.
• Build strong relationships with guests and ensure a warm, personalised and memorable experience.
• Ensure lodge standards and procedures are consistently maintained.
• Identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively as a management couple.
• Support the implementation of new ideas, systems and operational procedures.
• Lead by example and maintain a professional approach at all times.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications

• Diploma or relevant qualification from a recognised hotel school.
• Relevant Food & Beverage qualifications or training will be advantageous.

• Minimum 5 years' relevant hospitality experience.
• Previous experience in a high-end luxury hospitality environment, preferably at a 5-star level.
• Strong Food & Beverage management experience.
• Experience with menu planning, costing and presentation.
• Good wine knowledge and wine-service experience.
• Previous experience overseeing multiple hospitality departments.
• Experience in reservations and reception.
• Experience in housekeeping operations.
• Experience overseeing maintenance and general lodge upkeep.
• Previous staff management and leadership experience.
• Experience with administration, stock control and operational cost management.
• Previous experience working in a lodge or safari environment will be advantageous.

• Strong Food & Beverage knowledge and management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team-management abilities.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional guest-service orientation.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective delegation and resource-management skills.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong cost-control awareness.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Hands-on approach to management and operations.
• Ability to motivate, train and develop staff.
• Adaptable and flexible approach.
• Strong planning and coordination abilities.
• Good understanding of luxury hospitality standards.

• Warm, friendly and engaging personality.
• Passionate about hospitality, hosting and guest service.
• Professional, confident and well-presented.
• Energetic and proactive.
• Hands-on and willing to lead by example.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Flexible and open to change and new ideas.
• Strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented and able to work effectively as a couple.
• Mature, reliable and trustworthy.

• Live-in position.
• Couple must be comfortable working in a remote lodge environment.
• Strong Food & Beverage experience is essential.
• The required experience and skills may be distributed across the couple.
• Basic knowledge of local fauna and flora will be advantageous.
• Candidates must be comfortable working across multiple departments.
• Both individuals should be willing to take a hands-on approach to lodge operations.
• Flexibility to assist with operational requirements outside of a traditional departmental role.