SUMMARY:

SCOPE AND GENERAL PURPOSE

• Effectively manage the day-to-day operation of the lodge, consistent with Company Standards and to achieve optimum financial results and better budget.
• Implement policies and procedures, as agreed with the General Manager, to ensure operations, financial controls, standards are being met
• Implement reporting structures to ensure that information is readily available, so that GM can in turn report weekly and daily to the Group GM and CEO.
• Focus on reservations management at Safari Plains to ensure that budgets are met
• Financial Management through the Financial Manager based at the Head office.
• Building of relationships with all suppliers to ensure effective business relations.
• Achieve good communication and to interpret and enforce agreed management decisions, policies and attitudes to achieve XRM objectives.
• Instill a culture of learning and assist in creating a company for staff and customers.

• To ensure the prompt and efficient service of all meals, snacks, functions and beverages to the required standards.
• To ensure that profit margins are maintained, agreed costs are not exceeded through effective control systems, including issuing against dockets, sales analysis, menu costings and cash checks.
• Staff training and guidance
• To act as Duty Manager as required.
• To ensure that staffing levels are correct and to agreed standards and are not exceeded without prior consultation.
• To ensure that company and statutory hygiene standards are maintained in all areas.
• To attend timeously to guests’ complaints.
• To take the necessary steps in the event of theft, burglary or fire.
• To ensure that reports and administration requirements are timeously submitted.
• To ensure that the Back of the House Department operates effectively and efficiently.
• To hold regular performance appraisals with all management staff, identifying areas for development and training needs, and ensuring that this training is effective.
• To ensure that fair discipline is affected.
• To ensure that the causes of staff grievances are investigated and the appropriate action taken.
• To ensure that fire and evacuation drills are held regularly.
• To be fully conversant with all statutory requirements regarding a food and beverage operation, that all licenses, including special licences, are timeously applied for and that the conditions affecting the issues of a liquor licence are not jeopardised.
• To ensure that regular stock takes are conducted.
• To prepare and submit on the required format all information necessary for budgeting purposes, timeously and accurately.
• To circulate throughout the restaurant, bar, front of house, kitchen & Housekeeping departments, maintaining a high profile with guests and staff.
• To hold regular staff meetings.
• To be fully aware of trends in the industry and make suggestions for improvement of the catering operation.
• To attend meetings as required.
• To carry out or ensure that regular On-the-Job Training is taking place to agreed standards.
• To ensure that the most suitably qualified person is appointed in the event of a vacancy — wherever possible this should be an internal promotion.

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

• • Implement “one-up” hiring, dismissal, and transfer policy with respect to Management and Senior Staff.
  • Capital expenditure, in conjunction with General Manager, as per company procedure.
  • No aesthetic changes without permission.
  • May not make statements to the press.
  • Organize all subordinates as she/he sees fit, according to Group Standards and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Safari Plains

• Manage the Operations of the lodge
• Implement structures, with consultation with GM, to ensure efficient management daily.
• Build a competent Management team

Financial

• Control costs and expenses whilst maximizing revenues thus achieving optimum profitability.

• Implement controls to manage revenue and costs effectively through policies and procedures set

• Compilation of budgets, to ensure the efficient and most profitable running of the lodge/camp

• Understand and interpret the financial accounts on a monthly basis.

• Prioritize capital expenditure requirements.

• Control salaries and wages focusing on reducing labour costs.

Marketing & Sales

• Identify unit needs and market trends and through liaison with marketing, sales and group F&B Departments implement appropriate policies timeously.

• Managing reservations

• Building of relationships with all major suppliers to ensure effective business relations.

• Responsible for Unit website

Administration

• Ensure that unit financial reporting is on time and correct.

• Ensure that all unit reports, as required by XRM are correct and timeously submitted.

• Be aware of and control all contracts.

• Be aware of all hotel/lodge legal matters and action appropriately.

• Effectively monitor unit management and strive for ongoing development and high morale of the entire workforce through training, communication and interaction between unit management and staff.

• Identify management potential and development needs and agree appropriate action with General Manager

• Implement job descriptions and company performance appraisal procedures.

• Oversee training plans and manage all internal industrial relations issues.

• Ensure all statutory obligations relating to Employment Equity Act, Skills Development Act, Broad Based Black Economic Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act are met.

• Implement a Social Responsibility Programme at unit level that benefits local community.

Communications

• Ensure effective communication through the continuous and undistorted flow of information between unit, XRM, management and staff by holding regular meetings as per agreed schedule.

Standards

• Maintain and improve agreed physical, behavioral and quality standards.

External Environment

• Participate in agreed external bodies

• Establish environmental monitoring systems in own area.

Maintenance

• Monitor and control the Maintenance Department.
• Co-ordinate all major Repairs and Maintenance.
• Co-ordinate special projects.
• Instigate a planned maintenance system for both properties

Hotel/Lodge Operations

• Review and be aware of VIP’S in house.
• Improve Lodge appearance and discipline of all staff.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management or Business Management
• Minimum 2–3 years' experience in a senior management position in a luxury lodge environment
• Proven experience within a luxury safari lodge, five-star hotel, or hospitality establishment is essential
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities
• Strong knowledge of Food & Beverage, Houskeeping, and financial reporting
• Exceptional organisational and administrative skills
• Good computer literacy and knowledge of hospitality management systems