SUMMARY:

JOB SPECIFICATION: DUTY MANAGER (GAME RESERVE / SAFARI LODGE)

1. Job Purpose

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Operations Management

• Oversee all lodge operations including:
  
  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Food & Beverage
  • Maintenance
  • Guest Activities
• Ensure seamless coordination between departments
• Act as the senior manager on duty during shifts
• Conduct daily briefings and manage shift handovers
• Step in for Lodge Manager when required

2.2 Guest Experience

• Welcome and host guests to deliver a luxury safari experience
• Manage check-ins, check-outs, and guest itineraries
• Handle guest complaints, queries, and special requests professionally
• Ensure personalized service for VIPs, honeymooners, and special occasions
• Monitor guest satisfaction and resolve issues promptly

2.3 Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and lead front-of-house and operational staff
• Train, mentor, and develop junior employees
• Manage staff schedules, attendance, and performance
• Promote teamwork and a positive lodge culture
• Enforce discipline, grooming, and service standards

2.4 Administration & Financial Control

• Manage reservations systems (e.g., NightsBridge, Opera)
• Handle billing, cash-ups, and daily revenue reporting
• Assist with stock control, procurement, and inventory
• Compile daily reports, incident logs, and guest feedback
• Monitor cost control and operational budgets

2.5 Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  
  • Health & safety regulations
  • Hygiene and food safety standards
  • Environmental and conservation policies
• Act as emergency contact during shifts
• Maintain lodge security and safety procedures

2.6 Guest Activities Coordination

• Coordinate:
  
  • Game drives
  • Bush dinners
  • Spa treatments
  • Transfers and excursions
• Ensure all guest experiences meet lodge standards

3. Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) – essential
• Diploma/Degree in Hospitality / Tourism – preferred

Experience

• 3–5+ years in hospitality (game lodge or hotel environment)
• At least 1–2 years in a supervisory/management role
• Experience in a luxury lodge or game reserve advantageous

4. Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Guest-focused with high attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to work under pressure in remote environments
• Computer literacy (MS Office, PMS systems)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

5. Personal Attributes

• Professional, well-presented, and service-driven
• Passion for wildlife, conservation, and hospitality
• Flexible and adaptable (long hours, weekends, public holidays)
• Calm, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Ability to live and work in remote locations

6. Working Conditions & Benefits (Typical)

• Live-in position (accommodation provided)
• Meals on duty
• Uniform provided
• Rotational shifts / cyclical leave
• Potential gratuities and incentives

POSITION INFO:

JOB SPECIFICATION: DUTY MANAGER (GAME RESERVE / SAFARI LODGE)

1. Job Purpose

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Operations Management

• Oversee all lodge operations including:
  
  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Food & Beverage
  • Maintenance
  • Guest Activities
• Ensure seamless coordination between departments
• Act as the senior manager on duty during shifts
• Conduct daily briefings and manage shift handovers
• Step in for Lodge Manager when required

2.2 Guest Experience

• Welcome and host guests to deliver a luxury safari experience
• Manage check-ins, check-outs, and guest itineraries
• Handle guest complaints, queries, and special requests professionally
• Ensure personalized service for VIPs, honeymooners, and special occasions
• Monitor guest satisfaction and resolve issues promptly

2.3 Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and lead front-of-house and operational staff
• Train, mentor, and develop junior employees
• Manage staff schedules, attendance, and performance
• Promote teamwork and a positive lodge culture
• Enforce discipline, grooming, and service standards

2.4 Administration & Financial Control

• Manage reservations systems (e.g., NightsBridge, Opera)
• Handle billing, cash-ups, and daily revenue reporting
• Assist with stock control, procurement, and inventory
• Compile daily reports, incident logs, and guest feedback
• Monitor cost control and operational budgets

2.5 Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  
  • Health & safety regulations
  • Hygiene and food safety standards
  • Environmental and conservation policies
• Act as emergency contact during shifts
• Maintain lodge security and safety procedures

2.6 Guest Activities Coordination

• Coordinate:
  
  • Game drives
  • Bush dinners
  • Spa treatments
  • Transfers and excursions
• Ensure all guest experiences meet lodge standards

3. Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) – essential
• Diploma/Degree in Hospitality / Tourism – preferred

Experience

• 3–5+ years in hospitality (game lodge or hotel environment)
• At least 1–2 years in a supervisory/management role
• Experience in a luxury lodge or game reserve advantageous

4. Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Guest-focused with high attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to work under pressure in remote environments
• Computer literacy (MS Office, PMS systems)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

5. Personal Attributes

• Professional, well-presented, and service-driven
• Passion for wildlife, conservation, and hospitality
• Flexible and adaptable (long hours, weekends, public holidays)
• Calm, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Ability to live and work in remote locations

6. Working Conditions & Benefits (Typical)

• Live-in position (accommodation provided)
• Meals on duty
• Uniform provided
• Rotational shifts / cyclical leave
• Potential gratuities and incentives