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
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