Reports To General Manager / Lodge Manager Salary: R 25 000 Live in Position Summary We are now seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests. The successful candidate will be responsible for menu development, food preparation, kitchen management, staff supervision, food safety compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation. The Head Chef will play a key role in enhancing the guest experience through innovative cuisine that reflects local flavors while meeting international hospitality standards. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership

• Design and develop seasonal menus that showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of all meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, special events, and private dining experiences, as well as functions and weddings
• Ensure consistent food quality, taste, and presentation standards.
• Accommodate special dietary requirements, allergies, and guest preferences.

Kitchen Management

• Lead, mentor, and train kitchen staff to maintain a high-performing team.
• Manage staff schedules, performance, and productivity.
• Foster a positive and professional working environment.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations and workflow.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food handling and sanitation standards.
• Conduct regular checks to maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen.

Inventory and Cost Control

• Manage food purchasing, stock levels, and supplier relationships.
• Monitor food costs and minimise waste without compromising quality.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and stock control procedures.
• Assist with budgeting and financial planning for the kitchen department.

Guest Experience

• Engage with guests when appropriate to understand preferences and receive feedback.
• Create memorable dining experiences that enhance the reputation of the manor.
• Support special events, celebrations, and exclusive guest experiences.

Qualifications and Experience Essential

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, fine dining restaurant, or hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
• Understanding of food cost management and inventory control.
• Knowledge of food safety and health regulations.

Preferred

• Experience in luxury safari lodges or boutique hospitality establishments.
• Knowledge of South African and international cuisine.
• Experience creating bespoke dining experiences for guests.

Skills and Competencies

• Creativity and passion for culinary excellence.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.

Application Process Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, relevant qualifications, and a portfolio of culinary achievements or references for consideration to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za  

 

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🌿 General Manager – Luxury Big 5 Game Lodge (KwaZulu‑Natal)

Salary: Highly competitive, DOE Accommodation: Live‑in Start: TBC A prestigious Big 5 game lodge in KwaZulu‑Natal is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the property with vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to guest experience and conservation. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned hospitality leader to take full accountability for a high‑end lodge and shape its next chapter.

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✨ Key Responsibilities

The General Manager holds full operational and strategic responsibility for the lodge, ensuring a guest experience that is quietly extraordinary while driving a sustainable and profitable business. Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership across all departments, including lodge operations, kitchen, guiding, and reserve interface.
• Lead and mentor the senior management team (Head Chef, Head Ranger, Reservations, Finance).
• Ensure seamless daily operations with a calm, hands‑on, visible leadership style.
• Step into any operational area when required, modelling excellence and teamwork.

Commercial & Strategic Management

• Own the commercial performance of the property: revenue, occupancy, ADR, cost control, and profitability.
• Develop and execute the annual business plan and capital projects in consultation with shareholders.
• Oversee supplier relationships, procurement, and contracting to protect margins without compromising standards.

Guest Experience & Brand

• Drive a consistently exceptional guest journey from enquiry to departure and beyond.
• Build a culture of warmth, pride, and quiet excellence across the team.
• Contribute to brand positioning, marketing initiatives, and content strategy aligned with a premium Big 5 experience.
• Manage relationships with travel partners, tour operators, media, and industry bodies.

People & Culture

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster a values‑driven, motivated, and high‑performing team environment.

Conservation, Compliance & Sustainability

• Champion sustainability initiatives with measurable annual goals.
• Communicate and embody the lodge’s conservation ethos with guests, staff, and partners.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and Health & Safety requirements.

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🎓 Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 10 years senior hospitality experience, including 3+ years as General Manager, Lodge Director, or Resident Manager at a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, or private reserve.
• Formal qualification in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field (postgraduate advantageous).
• Proven commercial acumen with a track record of revenue growth and margin management.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and guide a small, tight‑knit team.
• Deep experience in luxury guest relations, including VIP handling and complex guest scenarios.
• Working knowledge of PMS, channel management systems, and financial reporting tools.
• Solid understanding of South African labour law, Health & Safety, and lodge‑related regulatory frameworks.
• Genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, and the rhythms of the bush.
• Polished, professional communication with excellent written and spoken English.
• A second language (especially isiZulu or a major international language) is an advantage.
• Stamina, resilience, and willingness to live on or near the property.
• Valid South African driver’s licence.
• South African citizen or valid work permit.

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Please forward applications to cameron@cedar-wood.co.za

Senior Management Couple required for a 5-Star Luxury Boutique-Style Lodge located along the unspoilt coastline of the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Senior Management Couple (5-Star Luxury Lodge) Location: Whale Coast, Western Cape (De Hoop Nature Reserve) Environment: Unspoilt coastline, coastal fynbos, and Africa's premier whale-watching region. Property features an exclusive 5-bedroomed and a 4-bedroomed luxury lodge. We are recruiting for an energetic, dynamic, and hands-on Senior Management Couple to lead our client’s team and manage daily operations at this prestigious 5-star hospitality property. The ideal candidates must be outgoing, independent thinkers who excel at high-end guest entertainment and seamless hospitality management   General Requirements (Both Candidates)

• Experience: Minimum 5 years’ management experience in 5-STAR luxury properties.
• Independence: Must be able to work completely on your own without constant monitoring.
• Leadership: Strong capability in managing a team, handling staff dynamics, and scheduling time efficiently
• Mindset: Creative, out-of-the-box thinking with the ability to problem-solve and think on your feet.
• Personality: Outgoing individuals with exceptional hosting and guest entertainment skills.
• Logistics: Valid driver’s license and own transport are mandatory

 Job Requirements: HIM

• Guiding: FGASA Level 1 Marine qualification (or standard Level 1 with the obligation to complete Marine within 6 months of employment) All guiding qualifications must be valid and up-to-date.
• Safety: First Aid Level 1 certificate.
• Technical Skills: Strong property maintenance and vehicle maintenance skills.
• Operations: Exceptional guest hosting abilities and basic HR knowledge.
• Communication: Fluent in English (both spoken and written)

 Job Requirements: HER

• Hospitality Operations: Strong guest hosting skills with an advantageous all-rounder knowledge of all lodge departments.
• Systems: PAN Property Management Software knowledge is a strict requirement.
• Administration: Strong administrative skills and computer literacy (MS Office)
• Management: Basic HR knowledge to assist with team operations.
• Communication: Fluent in English (both spoken and written)

What Our Client Offers

• Salary: Market-related and highly competitive, dependent on experience (DOE)
• Accommodation: Live-in position with on-site accommodation provided.
• Food: Company-funded food allowance
• Work Cycle: 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off
• Leave: 21 days annual leave
• Benefits: Provident Fund (applicable after 3 months of employment)
• Bonus: 13th Cheque (dependent on annual company performance)
• Uniform: Provided by the company
• Policy Note: No children permitted due to the live-in setup

To apply, forward comprehensive CV’s as well as proof of all qualifications and all contactable references to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7 working days.  

We are looking for a detail-oriented and commercially minded OTA Administrator to support the online distribution strategy across our portfolio of properties. This role is responsible for managing OTA platforms, ensuring rates and availability are accurate, maintaining property content, and supporting revenue growth through effective channel management. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of hospitality distribution, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with Revenue, reservations, Sales, and Operations teams. Key Responsibilities OTA & Distribution: ▪ Manage and maintain OTA platforms including Booking.com, Expedia, Hotelbeds, and other distribution partners. ▪ Ensure rates, inventory, restrictions, and availability are loaded accurately across all channels. ▪ Monitor rate parity and identify any discrepancies between direct and third party booking channels. ▪ Assist with implementing promotional offers, campaigns, and visibility programmes across OTA platforms. ▪ Support the Revenue Team in executing pricing and distribution strategies. Content Management ▪ Maintain accurate property information, room descriptions, policies, amenities, and images across all online channels. ▪ Ensure property listings remain up to date and aligned with brand standards. ▪ Work with Operations and Marketing teams to update content when required. ▪ Monitor property visibility and ranking performance on OTA platforms. Reporting & Analysis ▪ Compile daily, weekly, and monthly reports on OTA production and performance. ▪ Track occupancy, revenue contribution, booking trends, and channel performance. ▪ Identify opportunities to improve visibility, conversion, and revenue generation. Assist with competitor and market analysis. Requirements ▪ Previous experience in hospitality, reservations, revenue management, e commerce, or OTA administration. ▪ Good understanding of online distribution channels and hotel booking platforms. ▪ Strong administrative and organisational skills. ▪ Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. ▪ Strong Excel and reporting skills. ▪ Ability to work independently while managing multiple properties and deadlines. ▪ Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Salary range- R20k-R25k CTC Email- calista@cedar-wood.co.za  

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