JOB TITLE: Reserve Manager   DEPARTMENT: Management    

1. JOB PURPOSE

To oversee the comprehensive management and operations of a private game reserve, ensuring exceptional standards in maintenance, financial oversight, guest experience, ecosystem conservation, and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on sustainable management of the reserve as a premier wildlife and tourism destination, delivering high-quality operations while maintaining the natural environment and supporting owner and guest satisfaction.  

2. SCOPE

The Reserve Manager is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic leadership of the reserve, including infrastructure maintenance, financial management, staff leadership, conservation practices, relations. The role involves regular interaction with owners, suppliers, contractors, regulatory authorities, and local communities to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and the preservation of the reserve’s natural beauty and biodiversity.  

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  **3.1 Financial Management** - Develop and manage short- and long-term capital and operating budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations. - Monitor financial performance, analyze data, and implement measures to optimize efficiency. - Control operational expenses and maintain accurate records. - Oversee collection of association fees from owners and ensure timely processing. - Manage association insurance policies, renewals, and claims. - Oversee fuel storage, distribution, and inventory to ensure adequate daily supply.   **3.2 Personnel Management** - Lead recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of reserve staff. - Maintain staff contracts, job descriptions, timesheets, leave records, and conduct regular performance appraisals. - Ensure high standards of work performance in line with job descriptions and key performance indicators. - Oversee contractor selection, contract negotiation, and quality assurance. - Administer disciplinary procedures in compliance with relevant labour legislation. - Ensure staff wear issued uniforms and PPE, and hold valid driver’s licenses (including professional driving permits where required) for reserve vehicles.   **3.3 Infrastructure, Equipment, and Maintenance** - Oversee maintenance and repair of all reserve infrastructure, including buildings, roads, fences, water and electricity reticulation, sewerage systems, and vehicles. - Ensure all equipment, tools, and vehicles are secure, well-maintained, and compliant with safety standards. - Maintain roads, fences, gates, and public areas (e.g., viewing hides, dams) to agreed specifications and ensure they are clean and presentable. - Monitor water, electricity, and sewerage systems, addressing issues promptly. - Advise on road suitability for game viewing during adverse weather.   **3.4 Strategic Planning and Development** - Recommend strategic improvements based on market trends, guest feedback, sustainability best practices, and conservation priorities.   **3.5 Communication Relations** - Maintain timely and professional communication with owners. - Liaise with relevant regulatory authorities on matters such as fencing, security, rules, and conservation compliance. - Build positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.   **3.6 Purchasing and Inventory** - Procure supplies and equipment efficiently. - Manage inventory to prevent shortages or wastage.   **3.7 Compliance and Regulatory Affairs** - Ensure full compliance with reserve rules, environmental authorizations, and applicable local, provincial, and national legislation. - Enforce reserve rules consistently, conduct property inspections, issue violation notices, and resolve disputes. - Monitor contractors to ensure adherence to building guidelines. - Maintain accurate association records and governing documents. - Conduct regular safety inspections and audits.   **3.8 Ecosystem and Conservation Management** - Implement sustainable conservation practices, including biodiversity monitoring, invasive species control, and management of watering points. - Ensure compliance with the reserve’s environmental management plan. - Address wildlife-related issues in collaboration with relevant authorities. - Promote use of indigenous flora in lodge gardens and overall environmental stewardship.   **3.9 Emergency Response and Risk Management** - Develop and maintain emergency response plans for fires, natural disasters, and other incidents. - Oversee firebreak implementation, firefighting equipment maintenance, and staff training drills. - Assist in wildfire suppression and risk mitigation.   **3.10 Safety and Security** - Oversee security systems, access control, and monitoring equipment (e.g., camera traps).   **3.11 Field Guide Management** - Provide operational oversight of lodge field guides in collaboration with the responsible director. - Maintain and enforce an up-to-date Guide Handbook covering protocols, code of conduct, and legal requirements. - Promote a professional and ethical guiding culture through accountability, regular meetings, and disciplinary processes. - Oversee guide selection, induction, training, and compliance with qualifications (e.g., professional registrations, first aid, driver permits). - Manage freelance guides and ensure all guides adhere to uniform standards and reserve rules.   **3.12 Reporting** - Maintain accurate records of operations, finances, inventory, and incidents. - Prepare and submit monthly reports, including: - Water and electricity meter readings and charges - Fuel usage and charges - Staff transport records - Gate fees and occupancy data - Financial summaries   **3.13 General Duties** - Lead special projects as directed by the Board. - Ensure gate operations follow established policies. - Assist with any reasonable additional duties, including outside normal hours when required.   #### 4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES   **Qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree or diploma in conservation, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related field. - Relevant certifications in conservation, safety, and management fields highly advantageous.   **Experience** - Minimum 5 years in a senior management role within a wildlife reserve or similar conservation environment. - Proven expertise in wildlife area management, financial administration, and infrastructure maintenance. - Practical knowledge and hands-on experience in: - Electrical systems (installation, fault-finding, maintenance) - Plumbing and high-pressure pipelines - Generators, fencing (including electric game fencing), sewerage systems - Vehicle and equipment mechanics (light/heavy vehicles, earth-moving equipment) - Borehole installation and maintenance - Building/construction and roadworks - Welding, invasive species control, firefighting, and problem animal management - Proficiency in firearms handling.   **Competencies** - Physically fit and able to work in all weather conditions. - Willingness to work flexible, long hours (including weekends and emergencies). - Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. - Excellent computer literacy and administrative ability. - Fluent in English; additional languages advantageous. - Valid driver’s license and professional driving permit. - South African citizen or permanent resident with recent police clearance. - In-depth understanding of owners’ association governance. - Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Please forward applications to cam@cedar-wood.co.za

Job Title: Finance Manager (Remote)   Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations for our group of game lodges. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility while ensuring robust financial management across multiple properties. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving financial strategy, compliance, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced hospitality environment.   Key Responsibilities - Manage day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and bank reconciliations for multiple lodge entities. - Prepare and analyse monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, budgets, and forecasts. - Oversee cash flow management, ensuring optimal liquidity across lodge operations. - Ensure compliance with South African tax regulations, IFRS standards, and statutory requirements (e.g., VAT, PAYE, SARS filings). - Conduct financial audits (internal and external coordination) and implement controls to mitigate risks. - Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decisions, such as cost control in F&B, procurement, and capital expenditures. - Manage payroll processing for lodge staff in collaboration with HR. - Monitor and report on key financial KPIs, including occupancy-related revenue, expense ratios, and profitability per lodge. - Liaise with external auditors, bankers, and suppliers as needed. - Support ad-hoc financial projects, such as expansions, renovations, or sustainability initiatives.   Qualifications and Experience - Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field (Honours or CA(SA)/CIMA/ACCA qualification highly advantageous). - Minimum 5-7 years of experience in financial management, preferably within the hospitality, tourism, or retail sectors. - Proven track record in multi-entity financial management. - Strong knowledge of accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, Pastel, or similar) and advanced Excel skills. - Experience with remote working tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, cloud-based accounting systems).   Required Skills and Attributes - Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail. - Strong communication skills, able to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders. - Ability to work independently in a remote environment while meeting deadlines. - Integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial data. - Passion for the tourism industry and an understanding of seasonal business fluctuations in hospitality is a plus.   Remuneration and Benefits - Competitive salary range: R50,000 – R75,000 per month Please forward applications to cam@cedar-wood.co.za

Our client, Game Lodge based in Pilanesberg in the North West has a vacancy for a Senior Sous/Head Chef to join their team in May/June of this year This is a single live in position and will not be suitable for children/pets Salary: R20 000.00 – R25 000.00 negotiable Uniform provided Meals provided while on duty 3 weeks on and 1 week off Requirements: Must have previous experience in a 4* / 5* game lodge Must have Own Reliable Transport and a Valid Driver’s License – not negotiable Must have formal qualifications as well as be computer literate A minimum of 5 years of management experience in a medium-sized kitchen Matric qualification Professional cookery qualification Assertiveness, patience, and good organizational skills Understanding of kitchen procedure and timing requirements and be able to plan accordingly Passion for food and kitchen-related duties Excellent communication skills Present innovative and modern dishes Experience with dietary requirements of guests such as lactose intolerance, gluten free etc. Knowledge in Menu planning Responsibilities: Preparation of food. Effective guest interaction to enhance guest experience. Orders, menu planning, stock control. Communication with kitchen and lodge front of house staff to ensure the smooth running of the department. To apply please send your full updated cv with references, food portfolio and notice period to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za

A Lodge, located in the Central Drakensberg, is seeking an energetic and professional Assistant Manager & Guest Liaison to join their team.   The position entails: -          Administrative duties -          Events marketing -          Events management   Other requirements: -          Strong English proficiency -          Excellent communication and people skills -          Computer literacy -          Previous experience in the hospitality industry is beneficial -          Knowledge of and experience in social media marketing is advantageous -          Someone who is confident in marketing and managing events (i.e. weddings)   This is a live-in position.  Salary will be discussed at interview. If you are well organised, guest-focussed and enjoy working in a dynamic lodge environment, we would love to hear from you.   To apply for this position, please email me your CV, contactable references and head and shoulder photo.

Head Chef Department: Kitchen Reports to: General Manager Location: Remote Safari Lodge, Namibia Salary: R16,000 (live-in role with accommodation and meals provided) Join Our Team We're seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team and deliver exceptional dining experiences in the heart of Namibia's wilderness. If you're passionate about creating memorable meals and leading a team, we want to hear from you! Key Responsibilities: - Develop and execute seasonal menus showcasing local flavors and ingredients - Lead, mentor, and manage a skilled kitchen team - Control food costs, stock, and supplier relationships - Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and hygiene standards - Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and lodge policies - Collaborate with F&B team on guest experiences and special events Requirements: - Qualified chef with 5+ years' senior kitchen experience - Luxury lodge, fine-dining, or boutique hospitality background preferred - Strong leadership, menu development, and cost control skills The Lodge Our remote safari lodge offers a unique lifestyle in Namibia's stunning wilderness. Roster cycles and leave structure will be discussed during interviews. Weekend, public holiday, and peak-season work is required.