SUMMARY:
A commercially astute, operationally strong, and hands-on General Manager to lead the business
POSITION INFO:
Dream Hotels & Resorts lives by its 8 core values. Our team is dedicated to being reliable and accountable, fostering empathy to understand others' feelings and collaboratively find solutions, and prioritizing sustainability in environmental, financial, and social aspects. Rooted in humanity, trust, dynamism, excellence, and joy, we celebrate diversity, prioritize integrity, embrace creativity, pursue quality, and foster a joyful work environment to connect people with our surroundings and each other. These play a part in our day-to-day decision making & operational requirements.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a commercially astute, operationally strong, and hands-on General Manager to lead the business and operational performance of our stunning properties, Ghoha Hills and Nogatsaa Pans. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day lodge administration, financial control, people leadership, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee lodge leadership teams while ensuring efficient business management, cost control, compliance, and exceptional service delivery. This opportunity would suit a strong hospitality leader or financially minded operator with lodge experience who thrives in a self-managed environment and can confidently lead with authority. This role would suit someone who has come from a Finance Manager / Lodge Financial Controller / Operations Manager / Lodge GM background and is ready to take full ownership of both the commercial and operational success of the property.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Drive the overall business performance and profitability of the lodge
- Analyse costs, budgets, and revenue opportunities
- Monitor spending controls and implement efficiencies
- Prepare monthly business performance reports and recommendations
- Build strong relationships with travel agents, tour operators, and stakeholders
Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the lodge through department leads
- Ensure high service standards and guest satisfaction
- Monitor lodge operations, maintenance, housekeeping, food & beverage, and guest services
- Ensure smooth coordination between on-site teams and head office functions
- Maintain brand standards and operational excellence
Financial Management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Cost control and expense management
- Reconciliations and reporting
- Supplier account management
- Procurement oversight and stock controls
- Cash flow awareness and financial discipline
Administration & Compliance
- Oversee supplier contracts and service level agreements
- Passport handling / guest travel administration where required
- Ensure statutory returns and regulatory compliance
- Liaise with local authorities and relevant government departments
- Ensure adherence to health, safety, and legal standards
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, coach, and manage lodge leadership teams
- Build accountability and performance culture
- Make sound decisions confidently and fairly
- Ensure staff productivity, discipline, and engagement
Theoretical Knowledge & Experience:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar senior management role within a lodge / safari lodge / hospitality environment
- Proven experience managing multi-department lodge operations
- Strong financial and commercial management experience
- Experience in remote or bush lodge environments advantageous
- Degree in Business Management OR Operations Management qualification
