SUMMARY:
Our client in the Hospitality Industry is seeking an experienced Lodge Manager to take full responsibilities for one of their lodges near Grahamstown/ Makhanda

POSITION INFO:

Minimum candidate requirements

• Matric and a degree, National Diploma or certificate in Hotel Management are essential.
• At least five years’ working experience in a five star lodge or hotel, with previous hospitality management experience essential.
• Candidates must demonstrate leadership across departments and responsibility for operating results.
• Thorough understanding of lodge operations, with strong working knowledge of Guest Relations, Front Office, Housekeeping and exceptional Food and Beverage knowledge.
• Financial competence, including budgeting, interpreting operating results, cost control, stock management and sound administrative discipline.
• Proficiency in OPERA and all Microsoft Office packages; experience using GuestRevu and TripAdvisor to manage guest feedback and reputation.
• Excellent spoken and written English, including clear management reporting. Professional presentation, strong interpersonal skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to motivate teams and train staff, with an understanding of basic labour requirements and disciplinary procedures.
• Valid driver’s licence without endorsements and own reliable vehicle or transport. Willingness to accept a live in position is essential.

Key responsibilities
Lodge leadership and daily operations

• Set clear standards and responsibilities for departmental leaders; run daily briefings, inspect the property and verify operational readiness before guest arrivals and service periods.
• Coordinate occupancy, arrivals, departures, special requests and departmental workloads. Maintain effective duty management, handovers and cover during absences.
• Implement operating procedures and improvement plans; resolve recurring service failures and hold teams accountable for agreed actions.

Guest experience and service standards

• Build personal relationships with guests and remain visible throughout their stay. Ensure preferences, dietary needs and special occasions are accurately communicated and delivered.
• Take ownership of complaints and service recovery. Monitor GuestRevu, TripAdvisor and direct feedback; address root causes and oversee timely, professional responses in line with policy.
• Inspect rooms, public areas and dining experiences regularly, ensuring presentation, cleanliness and service consistently meet the lodge’s standards.

Financial performance and commercial management

• Manage the lodge’s operating budget and forecasts with management and finance. Review monthly profit and loss results, explain variances and implement corrective action.
• Control payroll, purchasing, food and beverage costs, utilities and other operating expenses without compromising guest standards or asset condition.
• Be involved in stock counts, requisitions, cash and billing controls, wastage, breakages and supplier performance. Maintain accurate records and investigate discrepancies promptly.
• Work with reservations and sales to support occupancy, room revenue, repeat business and appropriate additional guest spend. Monitor performance against agreed revenue and profitability targets.

Food and Beverage and housekeeping

• Lead service quality across dining, bar and guest hospitality. Work with the chef and relevant managers on menu standards, dietary requirements, stock availability, cost control and consistency.
• Maintain food hygiene, safe storage and cleaning standards. Ensure room preparation, laundry, linen and amenities meet inspection standards and required turnaround times.

Property maintenance and asset care

• Own the lodge’s condition and presentation, including guest rooms, public areas, grounds, equipment and relevant infrastructure. Conduct routine inspections and maintain an up to date defect register.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules, prioritise repairs and confirm work is completed properly. Coordinate contractors and shared maintenance teams with minimal guest disruption.
• Track breakdowns, room downtime and repeat defects. Plan replacement needs and motivate capital expenditure before deferred maintenance affects safety, service or asset value.

Employees and departmental leadership

• Lead recruitment, induction, rostering, performance reviews and development within approved structures. Manage attendance, overtime and leave to maintain effective staffing.
• Coach departmental leaders and deliver practical, ongoing service training. Build a respectful working environment with clear expectations, teamwork and consistent accountability.
• Address poor performance, grievances and misconduct promptly with HR support and in accordance with company procedures and applicable labour requirements. Maintain appropriate employee records.

Safety and operational resilience

• Implement company health, safety, security, food safety and environmental procedures. Maintain emergency readiness and coordinate responses to medical, fire, wildlife and infrastructure incidents with the relevant reserve teams.
• Report incidents and material risks promptly, maintain action records and ensure corrective measures are completed. Protect guest information, company assets and confidential business information.