Cedar Wood Recruitment - Hospitality Jobs

Cedar Wood Recruitment is a specialized recruitment agency catering for the hospitality industry. With over 18 years’ experience servicing our clients we stand out as an industry leader in sourcing superior candidates. Our main objective is to introduce high quality staff to companies in the hospitality sector. We believe in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our clients as well as our candidates, who are carefully selected to ensure a successful introduction of candidate to client.

                                                                 

 

Protection of Personal information policy (PoPi)

As a recruitment business we introduce candidates to clients for permanent employment, temporary worker placements or independent professional contracts. The exchange of personal data of our candidates and our client contacts is a fundamental and essential part of the recruitment process. In order to support our candidates' career aspirations and our clients' resourcing needs we require a database of candidate and client personal data containing historical employment information as well as current resourcing requirements. To maintain, expand and develop our business we need to record the personal data of prospective candidates and client contacts. Due to the nature of our business we will never store your personal data for a period longer than 5 years without having meaningful contact with you in this time period. If you have not received any meaningful contact from us or have not accessed our website in the past 5 years, your personal information will be deleted from our systems. Your personal information will not be shared or sold to any 3rd party. Your information is solely used for the purposes of job recruitment.

By applying for a job via the Cedar Wood Recruitment website your CV and Cedar Wood Recruitment profile will be shared with the Recruiter who has advertised the position. We recommend that you remove any non-essential personal information from your CV and Profile.   Cedar Wood Recruitment will store your information until you ask us to delete your  Cedar Wood Recruitment account or you have not engaged with our services for a period of 5 years or more.

Latest Job Listings

We are now recruiting for a Events & Wedding Coordinator in the Reservations Department to be based onsite.   JOB DESCRIPTION Events & Wedding Coordinator / Reservations Department Sales, Reservations & Events Reports To General Manager Employment Type Permanent – Full Time POSITION PURPOSE The Events & Wedding Coordinator / Reservations is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing weddings, conferences, functions and special events while managing guest accommodation reservations. The role ensures exceptional guest experiences from the initial enquiry through to departure by providing professional sales, planning, coordination and reservation services aligned with the standards of a 4-Star hospitality establishment. The incumbent serves as the primary contact for wedding couples, event organizers, travel agents, corporate clients and individual guests, ensuring smooth communication between clients and all operational departments. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
  1. Wedding & Event Coordination
  • Respond promptly to all wedding and event enquiries.
  • Conduct site inspections with prospective clients.
  • Prepare quotations, proposals and contracts.
  • Secure bookings and deposits.
  • Coordinate wedding planning meetings with clients.
  • Prepare detailed function sheets and event schedules.
  • Liaise with:
  • Food & Beverage
  • Executive Chef
  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance
  • Grounds
  • Spa
  • Security
  • Entertainment suppliers
  • Coordinate all event logistics.
  • Ensure venues are prepared according to agreed specifications.
  • Oversee event setup and décor.
  • Ensure weddings and events run according to schedule.
  • Resolve guest concerns professionally.
  • Attend functions where required.
  • Conduct post-event follow-ups.
  1. Reservations Management
Manage all accommodation reservations received via:
  • Telephone
  • Email
  • Website
  • Booking platforms
  • Travel agents
  • Corporate clients
Responsibilities include:
  • Processing reservations accurately.
  • Confirming bookings.
  • Updating reservation systems.
  • Monitoring room availability.
  • Maximising occupancy.
  • Applying correct rates.
  • Managing room allocations.
  • Preparing arrival lists.
  • Processing amendments and cancellations.
  • Ensuring reservation accuracy.
  • Managing group bookings.
  • Coordinating room blocks for weddings and conferences.
  1. Sales & Revenue Generation
  • Promote lodge facilities.
  • Upsell accommodation.
  • Upsell spa treatments.
  • Upsell dining experiences.
  • Upsell activities.
  • Upsell wedding packages.
  • Promote conference facilities.
  • Generate additional revenue opportunities.
  • Achieve monthly sales targets.
  • Follow up on quotations.
  • Convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.
  1. Client Relationship Management
Develop and maintain positive relationships with:
  • Wedding couples
  • Corporate clients
  • Conference organisers
  • Tour operators
  • Travel agents
  • Suppliers
  • Vendors
Provide exceptional customer service before, during and after every event.
  1. Administration
Maintain accurate records including:
  • Contracts
  • Quotations
  • Deposits
  • Invoices
  • Event files
  • Function sheets
  • Guest correspondence
  • Reservation records
Ensure documentation complies with company procedures.
  1. Financial Responsibilities
  • Issue quotations.
  • Confirm deposits.
  • Follow payment schedules.
  • Coordinate invoicing.
  • Ensure outstanding balances are settled before events.
  • Assist Finance with event reconciliations.
  1. Marketing Support
Assist with:
  • Wedding marketing.
  • Social media content.
  • Promotional campaigns.
  • Wedding expos.
  • Vendor networking.
  • Updating wedding brochures.
  • Developing promotional packages.
  1. Operational Coordination
Work closely with:
  • General Manager
  • Executive Chef
  • Food & Beverage Manager
  • Front Office Manager
  • Housekeeping Manager
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Spa Manager
Ensure all departments receive accurate function information.
  1. Guest Service
Deliver exceptional guest experiences by:
  • Maintaining professional communication.
  • Handling complaints effectively.
  • Exceeding guest expectations.
  • Ensuring attention to detail.
  • Creating memorable events.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education
  • Grade 12 (Matric)
Preferred:
  • Diploma in Hospitality Management • Tourism Management • Event Management • Hotel Management
EXPERIENCE Minimum:
  • 3–5 years' experience in:
  • Wedding coordination
  • Events management
  • Hotel reservations
  • Hospitality sales
Preferred: Experience within a 4-Star or 5-Star hotel, lodge or resort. KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of:
  • Hotel reservation systems (NightsBridge, Protel, Semper, Opera or similar)
  • Wedding planning
  • Event coordination
  • Hospitality operations
  • Front Office procedures
  • Revenue management
  • Guest relations
  • Banqueting
  • Conference coordination
  • Microsoft Office
SKILLS Excellent:
  • Communication skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Time management
  • Planning skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Sales ability
  • Customer service
  • Administration
  • Attention to detail
  • Conflict resolution
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate must demonstrate:
  • Professional appearance
  • Positive attitude
  • High energy
  • Friendly personality
  • Calm under pressure
  • Flexible approach
  • Strong work ethic
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Reliability
  • Confidentiality
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) The employee will be measured on:
  • Wedding enquiry response times.
  • Wedding conversion rate.
  • Event revenue generated.
  • Accommodation occupancy linked to events.
  • Reservation accuracy.
  • Guest satisfaction scores.
  • Online review ratings.
  • Repeat business.
  • Function execution quality.
  • Sales target achievement.
  • Administration accuracy.
  • Client feedback.
  • Departmental communication.
  • Complaint resolution.
  • Budget adherence.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Five or six-day work week as operationally required.
  • Weekend work is compulsory during weddings and events.
  • Public holiday work required.
  • Evening functions required.
  • Additional hours during peak seasons.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS The incumbent is expected to:
  • Deliver exceptional guest experiences.
  • Coordinate flawless weddings and events.
  • Maintain accurate reservations.
  • Maximise event and accommodation revenue.
  • Build lasting client relationships.
  • Promote the lodge's reputation for outstanding hospitality.
  • Uphold all standards expected of a 4-Star hospitality establishment.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
To apply please send your full updated cv, with contactable references, head and shoulder photo, copies of your qualifications, notice period and availability for interviews to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za  

Job Features

Job Category

Events Coordinator

We are now recruiting for a Events & Wedding Coordinator in the Reservations Department to be based onsite.   JOB DESCRIPTION Events & Wedding Coordinator / Reservations Department Sales,...

Permanent
Africa, Tanzania
Posted 4 days ago

Executive Chef – Tanzania

We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to oversee and elevate the culinary operations of a prestigious 5-star property in Tanzania. This role demands a visionary leader with proven expertise in luxury hospitality and the ability to manage large-scale kitchen operations with precision and creativity.

✨ Key Responsibilities

  • Menu design: Create innovative, world-class menus tailored to diverse clientele, balancing creativity with consistency.
  • Costing: Implement accurate food costing systems to ensure profitability while maintaining exceptional quality.
  • Training: Develop and deliver training programs to inspire, mentor, and upskill a large team of chefs and kitchen staff.
  • Staff management: Lead and manage a sizeable staff complement, ensuring smooth operations, adherence to standards, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Uphold the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and compliance with international culinary regulations.
  • Collaborate with senior management to align culinary offerings with the property’s brand and guest expectations.

🌟 Candidate Profile

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a senior culinary leadership role.
  • Proven background in 5-star bush lodge or luxury hotel environments.
  • Formal culinary qualifications from a recognised institution.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in high-pressure environments while maintaining creativity and excellence.
  • Passion for food innovation, presentation, and guest satisfaction.

💰 Compensation

  • Net salary: $3,000 per month
  • Accommodation and benefits included as part of the package.

📍 Location

Based in Tanzania, offering a unique opportunity to work in a world-class hospitality environment surrounded by natural beauty.
To apply please email your full updated cv with contactable references, copies of formal qualifications, a professional head and shoulders photo, as well as food portfolio to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za

Job Features

Job Category

Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Tanzania We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to oversee and elevate the culinary operations of a prestigious 5-star property in Tanzania. This role demands a visionary lea...

Permanent
KwaZulu-Natal
Posted 5 days ago
Description General Manager – Luxury Big 5 Lodge KZN R55,000-R65,000 Role Overview The General Manager holds full operational and strategic accountability for a privately owned luxury Big 5 lodge in KZN. This role leads every department to deliver a guest experience that is quietly extraordinary, while building a sustainable, profitable, and deeply respected business. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Governance Report directly to the shareholders and represent the lodge to owners, partners, board members and senior stakeholders. Provide steady, values‑driven leadership to all departments, including the lodge operations, kitchen, guiding team and reserve interface. Lead the senior management team (Head Chef, Head Ranger, Reservations and Finance Leads) with clarity, consistency and a long‑term vision. Commercial & Strategic Management Hold ultimate accountability for commercial performance, including revenue, occupancy, ADR, cost control and overall profitability. Develop and execute the annual business plan and capital programme in consultation with shareholders. Manage supplier relationships, contracting and procurement to protect margins without compromising standards. Guest Experience Drive a guest journey that consistently exceeds expectations, from first enquiry to post‑stay relationship management. Maintain exceptional standards of luxury hospitality, ensuring every touchpoint reflects warmth, pride and quiet excellence. Handle VIP guests and complex guest scenarios with professionalism and grace. People & Culture Build and nurture a strong organisational culture rooted in pride, respect and excellence. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and succession planning across all departments. Foster a cohesive, motivated team with clear communication and hands‑on leadership. Brand, Marketing & Partnerships Strengthen the lodge’s market positioning through relationships with travel partners, tour operators, journalists and industry bodies. Contribute meaningfully to brand development, marketing strategy and content creation aligned with a unique Big 5 experience. Sustainability & Conservation Champion sustainability across operations with measurable annual goals. Communicate and embody the lodge’s conservation ethos with guests, staff and visiting partners. Compliance & Operational Excellence Ensure full legal, regulatory and Health & Safety compliance across the property. Step into any operational area when required, modelling a “lead from the front” approach. Skills & Experience Required Professional Background Minimum 10 years of senior hospitality experience, including at least 3 years as a General Manager, Lodge Director or Resident Manager at a comparable luxury lodge, boutique hotel or private reserve. Formal qualification in Hospitality Management, Business or a related field; postgraduate studies advantageous. Operational & Commercial Competence Proven commercial acumen with a track record of revenue growth, margin management and successful delivery of business plans. Working knowledge of property management systems, channel management tools and financial reporting platforms. Leadership & Guest Relations Strong leadership presence with a calm, hands‑on style suited to a small, tight‑knit team. Deep experience in luxury guest relations, including managing VIPs and high‑expectation guests. Regulatory & Environmental Knowledge Solid understanding of South African labour legislation, Health & Safety regulations and relevant lodge‑sector compliance frameworks. Genuine passion for wildlife, conservation and the rhythms of the bush. Personal Attributes Polished, professional and approachable, with excellent written and spoken English. A second language is an advantage, particularly isiZulu or major international languages. High stamina, resilience and willingness to live on or near the property. Valid South African driver’s licence. South African nationality or valid work permit. Please forward applications to cameron@cedar-wood.co.za #LuxuryLodgeCareers #Big5Hospitality #SafariLeadership #GeneralManagerJobs #LuxuryHospitalityJobs

Job Features

Job Category

General Manager

Description General Manager – Luxury Big 5 Lodge KZN R55,000-R65,000 Role Overview The General Manager holds full operational and strategic accountability for a privately owned luxury Big 5 lodge in...

Permanent
East Africa
Posted 7 days ago
Lodge Camp Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge
Location:Kenya
Salary:*USD $3,000 Net per month** (Live-in Position)
Are you a passionate hospitality professional with exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences?
We are recruiting an experienced Camp Manager to oversee the daily operations of a luxury safari camp.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the day-to-day management of all lodge operations.
* Ensure an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure.
* Lead, mentor, and motivate a multi-disciplinary team.
* Manage Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Maintenance departments.
* Monitor budgets, stock control, procurement, and cost management.
* Maintain the highest standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation.
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, and company policies.
* Handle guest feedback professionally and resolve any concerns promptly.
* Work closely with the Head Chef and guiding team to create memorable guest experiences.
* Prepare operational reports and manage administrative duties.
Requirements
* Minimum of **3–5 years' experience** in a Camp Manager, Lodge Manager, or similar management role within a luxury lodge or safari camp.
* Strong leadership and people management skills.
* Excellent guest relations and communication abilities.
* Financial acumen, including budgeting and stock control.
* Knowledge of hospitality systems and Microsoft Office.
* A hands-on approach with the ability to work in a remote environment.
* Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
* Fluent in English; additional languages will be advantageous.
* Valid driver's licence preferred.
Package
Net Salary:*USD $3,000 per month
* Live-in accommodation provided.
Meals while on duty.
Uniform provided.
Annual leave in accordance with company policy.
Opportunity to work in a prestigious luxury safari environment.
If you are an energetic hospitality leader who thrives in a luxury bush setting and is dedicated to delivering world-class guest experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now by submitting your CV together with a recent professional photograph and contactable references to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za

Job Features

Job Category

Camp Manager

Lodge Camp Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge Location:Kenya Salary:*USD $3,000 Net per month** (Live-in Position) Are you a passionate hospitality professional with exceptional leadership skills and a c...

Permanent
Tanzania
Posted 7 days ago
Description

🌍 Regional Chef Trainer – Tanzania

📍 Location: Tanzania (travelling role across multiple properties) 💰 Salary: $3,000 – $3,500 per month 📝 Contract Type: Full-time

👨‍🍳 The Role

The Regional Chef Trainer will champion culinary standards across the group’s Tanzanian properties. This is a dynamic, hands-on, travelling role ideal for a chef who thrives in diverse environments, enjoys mentoring teams, and is passionate about delivering consistent, high-quality cuisine in remote lodge settings. You will rotate between a variety of unique properties. Regular travel — including light aircraft transfers and remote camp access — is an essential part of the role.

🔧 Key Responsibilities

  • 🍽️ Deliver structured, hands-on culinary training to head chefs and kitchen brigades across all properties
  • 📘 Develop and implement standardised recipes, menus and kitchen procedures tailored to each lodge’s setting and logistical realities
  • 🧼 Train teams in food hygiene, safety and sanitation aligned with international best practice
  • 🌱 Mentor and upskill junior and mid-level chefs, strengthening succession pipelines
  • 🤝 Collaborate with General Managers and Executive Chefs to align menus with brand standards while celebrating local character and seasonal produce
  • 📊 Support menu planning, costing, portion control and food cost management
  • 🔍 Conduct kitchen audits and produce clear action plans after each visit
  • 👥 Assist with onboarding and training of new culinary hires
  • 🌎 Stay current with global culinary trends and dietary requirements (allergies, vegan/vegetarian, cultural considerations)
  • ✈️ Travel independently and frequently, planning training schedules that minimise operational disruption

🎯 Requirements

  • 🎓 Formal culinary qualification and extensive experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in luxury lodges, safari camps or high-end hospitality
  • 👨‍🏫 Proven experience training, mentoring and developing kitchen teams
  • 🏕️ Experience working in remote or logistically challenging environments is a strong advantage
  • 🍛 Strong knowledge of international and East African cuisine, food safety and luxury food presentation
  • ✈️ Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including via light aircraft
  • 🗣️ Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • 💪 Physically fit and adaptable to varied climates (highland cold, coastal heat)
  • 🇬🇧 Fluency in English required; Swahili an advantage
  • 🚗 Valid driver’s licence; Tanzanian work permit or eligibility preferred

🎁 What’s on Offer

  • 💵 Competitive salary: $3,000 – $3,500 net per month
  • 🌅 The chance to shape culinary standards across an award-winning luxury safari collection
  • 🦁 Immersion in Tanzania’s most spectacular wilderness and coastal landscapes
  • 🔄 A varied, travel-based role ideal for a chef who prefers adventure over routine

Job Features

Job Category

Chef Trainer

Description 🌍 Regional Chef Trainer – Tanzania 📍 Location: Tanzania (travelling role across multiple properties) 💰 Salary: $3,000 – $3,500 per month 📝 Contract ...