Management Couple Greater Kruger (competitive salary)

Couple Appointment: General Manager & Member Services Facilities Manager

(Private Big 5 Reserve – Share Block Structure)

Overview

A privately owned Big 5 reserve operating under a Share Block structure seeks an experienced management couple to lead its operational, conservation, administrative, and member‑service functions. The reserve comprises thousands of hectares of traversable wilderness, a substantial lodge footprint, a multi‑generational shareholder base, and a complex operational environment including conservation management, anti‑poaching operations, member services, lodge maintenance, and financial administration.

The couple will form two critical pillars of the Management Team:

• General Manager (GM) – responsible for strategic execution, conservation oversight, operational leadership, financial controls, infrastructure management, regulatory compliance, and member satisfaction.
• Member Services Facilities Manager (MSFM) – responsible for member-facing operations, reception and front office management, facilities upkeep, shop management, insurance administration, and ensuring exceptional service delivery to all shareholders and authorised users.

This dual appointment ensures seamless leadership across all departments, strong member engagement, and consistent delivery of the reserve’s standards.

1. GENERAL MANAGER ROLE

Purpose

To work closely with the Board to execute the annual strategy and ensure the effective, compliant, and efficient operation of the reserve. The GM safeguards the reserve’s reputation as a premier private nature reserve through strong leadership, conservation management, financial discipline, and exceptional member experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary management team (Technical, Security/AP, Member Services, Administration).
• Ensure a productive, healthy workforce aligned with labour policies.
• Drive performance, accountability, and adherence to budgets and protocols.
• Oversee staff issues, wage negotiations, and labour law compliance.

1. Conservation & Ecology

• Implement annual Conservation Management Plan aligned with regional frameworks.
• Manage fauna/flora conservation, alien plant removal, culling, relocations, and ecological interventions.
• Collaborate with Balule wardens and advisors on ecological and elephant management plans.
• Ensure compliance with APNR, GLTFCA, NEMPA, NEEMA and other regulatory requirements.

1. Infrastructure & Facilities

• Oversee maintenance of roads, dams, water systems, solar pumps, clubhouse, workshop, office, airstrip, hides, picnic sites, and staff village.
• Supervise new infrastructure projects and ensure delivery on time, on spec, and on budget.
• Monitor member lodge servicing standards, including firebreak skoffels.

1. Security & Anti-Poaching

• Support AP Manager in maximising security effectiveness.
• Align with BNRA protocols and African Parks rhino holding facility requirements.
• Oversee AP operations, training, K9 development, and follow-ups.

1. Member Relations & Communications

• Maintain strong member interface and service orientation.
• Issue bi-monthly newsletters and ensure consistent communication.
• Enforce use agreements, protocols, rules, and regulations.

1. Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Ensure accurate monthly financial results and accounting integrity.
• Oversee levy collections, creditor payments, share certificate processes, and legal secretarial functions.
• Prepare annual operating budget, capex budget, reserve operating plan, and financial statements.

1. Strategic & External Relations

• Build relationships with neighbouring reserves, wildlife organisations, municipalities, and community upliftment initiatives.
• Support Balule Outreach Trust and community development strategies.

Outputs

• Annual Operating Budget
• Annual Reserve Operating Plan
• Annual Capex Budget
• Annual Financial Statements
• Monthly Management Report
• Quarterly Member Newsletter
• Conservation Management Plan
• Compliance with Land & Elephant Management Plans
• Project delivery (Forest, Rhino, staff village upgrades, asset enhancements)

2. MEMBER SERVICES FACILITIES MANAGER ROLE

Purpose

To serve as the primary point of contact for all members, ensuring exceptional service delivery, strong relationships, and well-maintained member facilities. This role is central to member satisfaction and credibility within the reserve community.

Core Responsibilities

1. Performance Management & Administration

• Maintain clear goals and accountability across the Member Services team.
• Conduct weekly one-on-one sessions with the GM.
• Submit bi-annual self-evaluations.
• Manage staff motivation, pride, and service orientation.
• Oversee leave cycles, uniform procurement, and temporary staff deployment.
• Perform monthly shop and fuel stocktakes (advanced Excel recommended).

1. Member Services & Front Office

• Oversee reception, front desk, and member-facing operations.
• Ensure facilities (clubhouse, cottage, office complex) meet board-defined standards.
• Manage member requests, feedback, and special services.
• Capture and report compliance data (bookings, servicing, menu offerings).
• Oversee job cards, invoices, arrivals/departures, and special requests.

1. Team Interdependencies

• Align with Financial Manager on procedures, invoice approvals, and payments.
• Ensure accurate financial data capture (stock receipts, petty cash, fuel logs).
• Support Technical Manager with admin for repairs, upgrades, and asset maintenance.
• Assist with board meetings, AGM setup, Christmas functions, and biannual braais.
• Serve as a key team member for the annual Pedal Power Fundraiser.

1. Shop Management

• Maintain shop aesthetics and housekeeping.
• Stock essential items and manage inventory levels.
• Drive sales of slow-moving items through discounting.
• Introduce and evolve product ranges and merchandise quality.

1. Membership Liaison & Credibility

• Engage proactively with members via phone and in-person.
• Promote shop offerings and specialty items.
• Follow up with a “surprise and delight” approach.
• Manage entry/exit permits, contractor access, and radio interface.
• Maintain accurate member files and user lists.
• Update member contact details across all platforms.

1. Insurance Administration

Biannually

• Liaise with insurer and director.
• Summarize and distribute collection letters.
• Follow up on payments and invoice members.

Annually

• Renew insurance schedules.
• Add/remove assets.
• Compile and submit member insurance claims.

3. Couple Suitability Requirements

Qualifications & Experience (GM)

• Conservation, hospitality, business management, or related tertiary education.
• 5+ years conservation management experience.
• Lodge/share block management experience.
• Strong financial and administrative literacy.
• Project management and infrastructure oversight.
• Security/AP exposure.
• Labour relations experience.
• Broad bushveld knowledge and strong service orientation.

Qualifications & Experience (MSFM)

• Hospitality, administration, or member services background.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and service skills.
• Financial administration literacy.
• Advanced Excel advantageous.
• Experience in reception, housekeeping coordination, and member-facing operations.

Shared Attributes

• Hands-on, practical, and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Cool-headed in crises; decisive problem-solvers.
• Collaborative team players with attention to detail.
• Comfortable living and working in a remote Big 5 environment.

4. Package & Start Date

• Competitive package aligned with seniority.
• On-site housing provided.
• Suitable company vehicle for business use.
• Start date: As soon as possible, no later than 01 October 2026.

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