Cedar Wood Recruitment - Hospitality Jobs

Cedar Wood Recruitment is a specialized recruitment agency catering for the hospitality industry. With over 19 years’ experience servicing our clients we stand out as an industry leader in sourcing superior candidates. Our main objective is to introduce high quality staff to companies in the hospitality sector. We believe in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our clients as well as our candidates, who are carefully selected to ensure a successful introduction of candidate to client.

                                                                 

 

Latest Job Listings

Onsite Marketing Assistant / Photographer – Big 5 Safari Lodge | Eastern Cape
An exciting opportunity is available for a creative, energetic and passionate Marketing Assistant / Photographer to join a prestigious Big 5 Safari Lodge in the Eastern Cape.
This is an ideal position for someone with a passion for wildlife, photography, social media and luxury hospitality, who can capture the unique guest experience and showcase the lodge through engaging visual content.
Key Responsibilities
* Capture high-quality photographs and videos of the lodge, wildlife, guests and experiences.
* Create engaging content for social media and other marketing platforms.
* Assist with the lodge’s day-to-day marketing and promotional activities.
* Maintain and develop the lodge’s digital content library.
* Assist with social media planning, posting and engagement.
* Ensure the lodge’s brand and image are consistently represented.
* Identify opportunities to promote the lodge and its unique guest experiences.
Requirements
* Industry-related qualification in Marketing, Photography, Media, Communications or a related field.
* Previous marketing, photography or social media experience, preferably within the hospitality, tourism or safari industry.
* Strong photography and content-creation skills.
* Good knowledge of social media platforms and digital marketing.
* Creative eye with excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
* Passion for wildlife, nature and the safari industry.
* Professional, enthusiastic and outgoing personality.
* A portfolio of previous work is essential.
* Contactable references.
Position Details
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Salary: To be discussed
Accommodation: Live-in position
This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative marketing professional to gain valuable experience while working in a spectacular Big 5 safari environment.
How to Apply
Please send the following to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za:
* Updated CV
* Portfolio of work
* Copies of relevant qualifications
* Recent head-and-shoulders photograph
* Contactable references
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Job Features

Job Category

Marketing Co-Ordinator

Onsite Marketing Assistant / Photographer – Big 5 Safari Lodge | Eastern Cape An exciting opportunity is available for a creative, energetic and passionate Marketing Assistant / Photographer to join...

Permanent
Eastern Cape
Posted 1 month ago

Senior Field Guide

Luxury Big 5 Game Lodge – Eastern Cape, South Africa

Role Overview

The lodge is seeking an experienced, guest‑centric Senior Field Guide to join its guiding team. The ideal candidate will deliver exceptional safari experiences, uphold strict safety standards, and contribute positively to the lodge’s conservation ethos. A Full Trails Guide qualification or Back‑Up Trails is required. This role suits a mature, confident guide with strong bush knowledge, excellent hosting skills, and the ability to mentor junior guides when needed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct high‑quality morning and afternoon game drives in a Big 5 environment
  • Lead walking safaris in accordance with FGASA Trails standards (Full Trails or Back‑Up)
  • Host guests professionally, ensuring warm, engaging, and personalised experiences
  • Provide accurate, insightful interpretation of wildlife, ecology, and conservation topics
  • Maintain guiding equipment, vehicles, rifles, and walk gear to lodge standards
  • Ensure guest safety at all times, including during dangerous‑game encounters
  • Assist with lodge hosting, guest arrivals, and general guest relations
  • Support conservation initiatives and uphold reserve rules and ethical guiding practices
  • Mentor junior guides and contribute to ongoing training and development
  • Maintain sightings logs, vehicle checklists, and other departmental admin

Minimum Requirements

  • FGASA Field Guide (NQF2 / Level 1) or higher
  • Full Trails Guide or Back‑Up Trails qualification (essential)
  • VPDA (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals)
  • SAPS Rifle Competency + Advanced Rifle Handling
  • Valid First Aid Level 1
  • Valid Driver’s License + PrDP
  • DEAT/LEDET Registration or ability to register immediately
  • Minimum 3–5 years guiding experience in a Big 5 reserve
  • Strong communication skills and excellent command of English
  • Professional, well‑presented, guest‑focused approach
  • Physically fit and capable of conducting walks in varied terrain

Personal Attributes

  • Confident, calm, and safety‑driven
  • Warm, engaging personality with strong hosting ability
  • High levels of professionalism and integrity
  • Strong situational awareness and decision‑making skills
  • Team player with a positive, proactive attitude
  • Passionate about conservation, wildlife, and guest education

Package

  • Competitive salary (experience‑dependent)
  • Excellent tips from international clientele
  • Live‑in accommodation
  • Meals on duty
  • Uniform
  • Training and development opportunities
If you want, I can also prepare a short social‑media advert, a formatted client‑ready version, or a screening checklist for this role.

Job Features

Job Category

Field Guide

Senior Field Guide Luxury Big 5 Game Lodge – Eastern Cape, South Africa Role Overview The lodge is seeking an experienced, guest‑centric Senior Field Guide to join its guiding team. The ideal cand...

Permanent
Eastern Cape
Posted 1 month ago

COUPLE ROLE: Hospitality Manager & Senior Field Guide (Full Trails / Back‑Up Trails)

Location: Eastern Cape Environment: Luxury Big 5 Lodge Start Date: ASAP Package: Competitive salary (DOE) + tips + accommodation + meals on duty

Role Overview

A luxury Big 5 lodge in the Eastern Cape is seeking an experienced Couple to fulfil two critical roles:
  1. Hospitality Manager – overseeing guest experience, lodge operations, and hospitality teams.
  2. Senior Field Guide – delivering exceptional safari experiences with Full Trails or Back‑Up Trails qualification.
This couple will work closely with lodge management to uphold world‑class service standards, ensure guest satisfaction, and contribute to conservation‑aligned operations.

PARTNER 1: Hospitality Manager

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver and maintain a world‑class guest experience across the lodge.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage hospitality teams (FOH, service, hosting).
  • Oversee daily operations, service quality, and SOP compliance.
  • Manage FOH and beverage budgets, stock control, and supplier relations.
  • Drive interdepartmental communication and collaboration.
  • Ensure personalised guest engagement and seamless hosting.
  • Uphold sustainability values aligned with The Long Run’s 4Cs.
  • Support lodge administration, reporting, and operational planning.

Minimum Requirements

  • 5+ years in hospitality, including 2+ years in a managerial role at a 5‑star lodge/hotel.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and guest‑service skills.
  • Financial and operational acumen; confident managing budgets.
  • Proficient in hospitality systems & Microsoft Office.
  • Calm, solutions‑driven, detail‑oriented, and professional.

PARTNER 2: Senior Field Guide (Full Trails or Back‑Up Trails)

Key Responsibilities

(Grounded in verified industry standards from HotelJobs field‑guide adverts)
  • Conduct high‑quality Big 5 game drives and guided bush walks.
  • Provide engaging, educational interpretation of wildlife, ecology, and conservation.
  • Ensure guest safety during all activities, following strict safety protocols.
  • Maintain safari vehicles, rifles, and guiding equipment in excellent condition.
  • Promote responsible tourism and conservation ethics.
  • Assist with lodge operations when not guiding (hosting, guest assistance).
  • Participate in wildlife monitoring, conservation initiatives, and reserve management tasks.
  • Conduct safety briefings and administer First Aid when required.

Minimum Requirements

  • FGASA NQF2 / Level 1 or higher.
  • Full Trails Guide or Back‑Up Trails qualification.
  • VPDA, SAPS Rifle Competency, ARH.
  • Valid PDP and First Aid.
  • Experience guiding in a Big 5 reserve.
  • Strong communication, guest‑service orientation, and situational awareness.
  • Physically fit, professional, and passionate about conservation.

Couple Requirements

  • Previous experience working together in a lodge environment (advantageous).
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and compatibility under pressure.
  • Ability to live and work in a remote Big 5 environment.
  • High integrity, reliability, and professional presentation.

Package

  • Competitive salary.
  • Excellent tips (international clientele).
  • Live‑in accommodation.
  • Meals while on duty.
  • Uniform and training opportunities.
  • Work cycle as per lodge roster.

Job Features

Job Category

Field Guide, Hospitality Manager, Management Couples

COUPLE ROLE: Hospitality Manager & Senior Field Guide (Full Trails / Back‑Up Trails) Location: Eastern Cape Environment: Luxury Big 5 Lodge Start Date: ASAP Package: Competitive salary (D...

HOSPITALITY MANAGER – EASTERN CAPE 

Position Overview

The Hospitality Manager will oversee the full guest experience and operational delivery across multiple luxury lodges in the Eastern Cape. This role requires a dynamic, solutions‑driven leader with a passion for excellence, strong team management capability, and the ability to uphold world‑class service standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure a consistently exceptional guest experience across all lodges.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage hospitality teams to achieve service excellence.
  • Oversee daily lodge operations, service quality, and adherence to SOPs.
  • Manage Front‑of‑House and beverage budgets, cost controls, and supplier relationships.
  • Drive effective interdepartmental communication and collaboration.
  • Enhance guest engagement through personalised service and attention to detail.
  • Uphold sustainability principles aligned with The Long Run’s 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce).

Minimum Requirements

  • 5+ years’ experience in the hospitality industry, including at least 2 years in a managerial role at a 5‑star lodge or hotel.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and guest service skills.
  • High attention to detail with strong financial and operational acumen.
  • Proficiency in hospitality systems and Microsoft Office.
  • Calm, solutions‑driven approach with a passion for delivering exceptional service.

Location

Eastern Cape, South Africa
Please forward applications to cameron@cedar-wood.co.za
 

Job Features

Job Category

Hospitality Manager

HOSPITALITY MANAGER – EASTERN CAPE  Position Overview The Hospitality Manager will oversee the full guest experience and operational delivery across multiple luxury lodges in the Eastern Cape. This...

Permanent
Greater Kruger
Posted 2 months ago
Company Overview Our client is an Exclusive Safari Lodge, luxury retreat situated in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Famous for its incredible wildlife viewing and unpretentious yet deeply caring hospitality, they transform dining into a central, storytelling element of the broader safari adventure. Position Overview The Culinary Host & Food Journey Consultant acts as the crucial, front-facing link between the lodge's kitchen operations and the guest. This is not a traditional back-of-house Kitchen Manager role. Instead, it focuses heavily on hosting the evening dining experience, engaging directly with luxury travelers, and sharing the unique story, heritage, and regional inspiration behind every meal. The successful candidate will leverage deep technical culinary knowledge to support kitchen operations, ensure strict hygiene standards, and guarantee that guest expectations are perfectly translated into exceptional plate executions. Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
  1. Guest Hosting & Experience Management
  • Host and oversee the nightly dinner service to guarantee a seamless, engaging, and premium atmosphere.
  • Share the narrative and cultural context behind the evening’s menu concepts to enrich the overall safari immersion.
  • Proactively engage with international and local guests to gather immediate, constructive feedback.
  • Bridge communication gaps by channeling guest insights, culinary compliments, and dietary concerns directly to the kitchen and lodge management.
  1. Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Liaise regularly with the Lodge Chef Consultant and Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager to roll out innovative menu variations and uphold visual standards.
  • Support the back-of-house team dynamically, using personal kitchen experience to help staff master and replicate standard recipes.
  • Provide practical, hands-on guidance during busy prep and service hours to build team confidence and maintain steady workflow patterns.
  1. Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Enforce and monitor stringent Kitchen Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
  • Audit hygiene practices, cleanliness, and storage protocols across all food preparation spaces.
  • Ensure consistent plate execution so that dishes exiting the pass match the lodge's premium standards.
  Candidate Requirements Skills and Attributes
  • Charismatic, polished host personality with an innate passion for front-of-house client interaction.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills capable of captivating diverse, high-net-worth audiences.
  • Strong technical culinary foundation paired with deep respect for kitchen mechanics and menu design.
  • Meticulous attention to detail concerning plating presentation, environment layout, and safety procedures.
  • Collaborative attitude equipped to build cross-departmental trust between serving staff, managers, and line cooks.
 Experience & Qualifications
  • Proven track record working in a premium professional kitchen, food production environment, or high-end lodge setting.
  • Demonstrated experience in public-facing hospitality, fine dining service, or premium lodge hosting.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of standard food safety regulations (HACCP / OHS guidelines).
  • Previous luxury safari lodge experience is required
  To apply, forward full comprehensive CV, all supporting documentation as well as portfolio and email details of all references to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, if you don’t get contacted within 7 day’s please regard your CV as not shortlisted.

Job Features

Job Category

F & B Management, Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Management

Company Overview Our client is an Exclusive Safari Lodge, luxury retreat situated in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Famous for its incredible wildlife viewing and unpretentious yet deeply caring...