SUMMARY:
This position is designed for a detail-driven, hospitality-minded supervisor to oversee day-to-day guest experience standards and support lodge management at an exclusive 6-bed luxury tented camp.
POSITION INFO:
Lodge Operations & Guest Hosting Supervisor
Position Overview
- Position Title: Lodge Operations & Guest Hosting Supervisor
- Location: Grietjie Private Game Reserve, Balule Nature Reserve (Big 5 Area, open to Kruger National Park — approx. 40 mins from Phalaborwa / 55 mins from Hoedspruit)
- Employment Type: Full-time, Live-in (3 weeks on / 1 week off work cycle)
- Salary Range: R12 000 – R15 000 per month CTC (Depending on experience)
- Inclusions: Furnished en-suite accommodation, meals, Wi-Fi, utilities, and basic kitchen provisions.
Role Summary
This position is designed for a detail-driven, hospitality-minded supervisor to oversee day-to-day guest experience standards and support lodge management at an exclusive 6-bed luxury tented camp. Operating in a small, high-touch environment for an international clientele (primarily European, UK, US, and South American guests), the role ensures meticulous presentation standards across housekeeping and kitchen operations, delivers warm guest hosting, and manages front-of-house administrative workflows.
Due to the nature of luxury lodge operations, flexibility, a strong work ethic, and a genuine understanding of bush lodge life are essential.
Key Responsibilities
1. Quality Control & Operations Supervision
- Maintain obsessive attention to detail across the 3 guest tents and central lodge area (e.g., checking linens, towel quality, furniture maintenance, alignment, and cleanliness prior to guest arrival).
- Conduct daily visual walkthroughs to identify maintenance, repair, or replacement needs before they become noticeable to guests.
- Provide operational support and guidance to housekeeping and kitchen staff, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to execute their duties to a 5-star standard.
2. Guest Hosting & Relationship Management
- Host international guests during evening drinks and dinners, serving as an engaging, knowledgeable, and professional representative of the lodge.
- Maintain an active interest in current affairs and global topics to hold engaging conversations with international travelers.
- Relief-host during game drive windows to allow field guides adequate rest during busy periods or staff off-time.
- Conduct warm meet-and-greets upon guest arrivals and facilitate seamless check-outs.
3. Front-of-House Administration
- Prepare accurate guest invoices, process payments, and manage check-out documentation.
- Over time, assist with handling new booking inquiries, guest correspondence, and review platform management.
- Maintain swift response times and accuracy to safeguard top-tier review ratings.
6-Month Key Performance Objectives (KPIs)
- Team Integration & Operational Leadership: Build strong, collaborative working relationships across all departments (guides, maintenance, kitchen, and housekeeping), developing into an effective daily supervisor for kitchen and housekeeping staff.
- Administrative Mastery: Master internal administrative, invoicing, and booking processes, maintaining strict accuracy and rapid response rates.
- Review & Standard Custodianship: Serve as the custodian of the lodge''s high standards, contributing directly to maintaining exceptional guest review scores (e.g., 9.7 rating, 5-Star TripAdvisor rating).
Minimum Requirements & Competencies
Experience & Attributes
- Proven experience in luxury hospitality, guest hosting, or lodge supervision.
- Strong understanding of bush lodge dynamics and the flexibility required for seasonal or operational shift adjustments.
- Exceptional eye for detail and proactive problem-solving abilities.
- Outgoing, articulate, and culturally aware with the ability to host international high-net-worth guests comfortably.
Technical & Logistics Requirements
- Valid South African Driver''s License and own reliable vehicle (mandatory due to living in a Big 5 reserve where walking between staff quarters and the main lodge is prohibited).
- Computer literacy (MS Office, basic accounting/invoicing software, email correspondence).
- Clear disciplinary and criminal record.
Live-In Conditions & Benefits
- Accommodation: Private, furnished basic double room with an en-suite bathroom. Shared communal kitchen facilities with the field guides. (Note: Accommodation is suitable for a single professional only, not suitable for families).
- Meals & Utilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and duty meals included. Basic food items are provided for personal cooking in the communal kitchen. On off-duty weeks spent at the lodge, staff self-cater.
- Laundry: On-site washing machine and ironing facilities provided for personal laundry management.
- Work Cycle: 3 weeks on duty / 1 week off duty. Public holidays and annual leave are accommodated through scheduled lodge closures (e.g., Christmas and New Year period).
Selection & Interview Process
- Initial Screening & Virtual Interview: Candidates shortlisted by the agency will be interviewed via video call within 2–3 days of application.
- Site Visit & Trial: Successful candidates will be invited to the lodge to experience the operational environment, inspect staff accommodation, meet the owners and team, and confirm cultural fit.
