🌿 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.

✨ 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.

🎓 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.

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