Assistant Lodge Manager

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic, service-oriented, hands-on and experienced Assistant Lodge Manager to join a luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area.
The successful candidate will assist with the overall management and smooth daily operation of the lodge, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and consistently high operational standards.
The ideal candidate will have strong Food & Beverage experience, excellent leadership abilities and the ability to work across multiple departments, including reservations, reception, housekeeping, grounds, administration, maintenance and cost control.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the overall management and daily operations of the lodge.
• Ensure consistently high standards of guest service and hospitality.
• Oversee and manage Food & Beverage operations, including menu planning, costing, presentation and wine service.
• Assist with reservations and reception operations.
• Oversee housekeeping standards and ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to a high standard.
• Monitor the presentation and upkeep of the lodge grounds.
• Oversee maintenance requirements and ensure issues are addressed promptly.
• Assist with lodge administration, stock control and operational reporting.
• Monitor expenses and implement effective cost-control measures.
• Lead, motivate, train and manage lodge staff.
• Delegate duties effectively and ensure staff maintain required service standards.
• Assist with staff scheduling and departmental coordination.
• Maintain strong communication between all departments.
• Build positive relationships with guests and provide warm, personalised service.
• Assist with guest activities and overall guest experience where required.
• Identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Ensure lodge policies, procedures and service standards are consistently followed.
• Take a hands-on approach and assist in any area of the lodge when required.
• Support the Lodge Manager with operational planning and decision-making.
• 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 luxury 5-star hotel or lodge environment is highly advantageous.
• Strong Food & Beverage management experience.
• Experience with menu planning, costing and presentation.
• Good knowledge of wine and wine service.
• Previous experience in reservations and reception.
• Experience managing or overseeing housekeeping operations.
• Maintenance oversight experience.
• Previous staff management and leadership experience.
• Experience with administration, stock control and cost control.
• Previous experience in a safari lodge or game reserve environment will be advantageous.

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

• Warm, friendly and engaging personality.
• Passionate about hospitality, hosting and guest service.
• Professional, confident and well-presented.
• Energetic, proactive and hands-on.
• Strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Flexible and open to change and new ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Natural host with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
• Mature, reliable and trustworthy.
• Willing to work as part of a team while also being comfortable working independently.

• Live-in position.
• Strong Food & Beverage experience is essential.
• Comfortable working in a remote lodge environment.
• Basic knowledge of local fauna and flora will be advantageous.
• Must be willing to work across multiple departments and assist wherever required.
• Must have a hands-on approach to lodge operations.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays as required by lodge operations.