General Manager – Luxury Lodge
📍 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
We are seeking an experienced and operationally focused General Manager to lead one of our luxury lodges in Victoria Falls. The ideal candidate will have strong lodge and guest experience expertise, with the ability to lead teams in a high-touch, ultra-luxury environment.
Preference will be given to Zimbabwean nationals or candidates already holding valid work rights for Zimbabwe.
About the Role
This is a key leadership position responsible for the overall management and performance of the luxury lodge. The General Manager will drive operational excellence, deliver exceptional guest experiences, achieve strong financial results, and maintain the highest service standards in a premium safari/lodge setting.
The role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational involvement in a remote, high-profile destination.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
– Provide strong, visible leadership to the entire lodge team, including all Heads of Departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Maintenance, Safari/Guiding, Finance, and Admin).
– Recruit, train, develop, and retain high-performing talent, with emphasis on building a skilled local team while upholding international luxury standards.
– Foster a positive, collaborative, and guest-focused culture that motivates staff to deliver personalised, high-touch service.
– Manage staffing levels, rosters, performance reviews, and employee development programmes.
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
– Ensure consistently outstanding, personalised guest experiences from pre-arrival to departure.
– Maintain and exceed guest satisfaction scores through proactive service recovery, attention to detail, and bespoke offerings.
– Oversee all lodge activities, dining experiences, and tailored excursions that showcase the Victoria Falls region.
– Personally engage with VIP guests, travel partners, and key stakeholders to build loyalty and drive repeat business.
Operations & Property Management
– Oversee all day-to-day lodge operations, including accommodations, food & beverage, maintenance, procurement, logistics, and safety.
– Maintain the property to the highest standards through effective preventative maintenance, upkeep, and presentation.
– Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and local regulatory requirements.
– Implement and uphold Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and brand service standards.
Financial Management & Business Performance
– Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual budget, forecasts, and monthly financial reports (P&L responsibility).
– Drive revenue optimisation (occupancy, ADR, RevPAR) while controlling costs and maximising profitability.
– Identify and implement operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives.
– Manage procurement, supplier relationships, and inventory controls.
Strategy, Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations
– Contribute to the development and execution of the lodge’s strategic and marketing plans.
– Champion sustainability, conservation, and community engagement initiatives.
– Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, authorities, tourism boards, and industry partners.
– Monitor market trends and competitor activity in the Victoria Falls luxury segment.
Reporting
– Provide regular performance reports, insights, and recommendations to senior management.
Requirements & Qualifications
– Minimum 5–8 years’ progressive hospitality experience, with at least 3–5 years as General Manager (or Deputy GM in a similar sized operation) in a 5-star luxury lodge, safari camp, or boutique hotel — preferably in Africa.
– Proven track record managing luxury guest experiences and leading high-performing teams.
– Strong financial acumen with direct P&L responsibility.
– Tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Tourism, or Business Administration is preferred.
– Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
– Ability to thrive in a remote location and work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
– Fluency in English; additional local language skills would be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
– Passionate about delivering unforgettable luxury experiences
– Hands-on, solution-oriented, and operationally strong
– Culturally sensitive with a genuine interest in Zimbabwe and its tourism offering
– High integrity, resilience, and adaptability
This is a live-out position and offers a competitive package for the right candidate.
Please forward applications to cam@cedar-wood.co.za