Assistant Lodge Manager
Luxury Lodge | Greater Kruger
Salary: R18,000 Negotiable DOE | Live-In Position
Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and service-driven Assistant Lodge Manager for a luxury lodge situated in the Greater Kruger region.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality professional with strong operational expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences. Working closely with the General Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lodge, ensuring exceptional service standards, operational efficiency, team development, and guest satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service Standards
⢠Oversee the complete guest journey from arrival to departure.
⢠Ensure all departments consistently deliver exceptional service standards.
⢠Handle guest concerns and complaints professionally and efficiently.
⢠Manage VIP guest experiences and special requests.
⢠Coordinate and communicate all external guest activities and excursions.
⢠Ensure guest confidentiality and data security standards are maintained.
⢠Monitor service delivery and implement improvements where required.
⢠Ensure senior management presence during meal service periods.
Lodge Operations Management
⢠Support the General Manager with the implementation of operational plans and objectives.
⢠Oversee the daily operations of all lodge departments including Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Maintenance and Laundry.
⢠Lead daily operational meetings and departmental handovers.
⢠Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures are followed consistently.
⢠Monitor lodge standards and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
⢠Maintain close communication with the Reservations team regarding arrivals, departures and special guest requirements.
⢠Assist with the implementation and monitoring of pest control and lodge maintenance programmes.
Financial Management
⢠Support budget management and cost control initiatives.
⢠Ensure operational expenses remain within approved budgets.
⢠Assist with inventory control and stock management.
⢠Manage petty cash accurately and ensure reconciliations are completed.
⢠Monitor staffing levels and scheduling to maximise operational efficiency.
⢠Work closely with Finance and Procurement teams to maintain inventory and par stock levels.
⢠Support revenue optimisation through upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
People Leadership & Team Development
⢠Supervise and support lodge staff during shifts.
⢠Assist with staff recruitment, onboarding and induction processes.
⢠Provide ongoing coaching and on-the-job training.
⢠Support performance management and employee development initiatives.
⢠Conduct counselling sessions and manage minor disciplinary matters when required.
⢠Ensure all staff maintain professional presentation and grooming standards.
⢠Promote a positive team culture and strong employee engagement.
Health, Safety & Compliance
⢠Ensure compliance with health, safety, labour and environmental legislation.
⢠Maintain emergency preparedness and response procedures.
⢠Uphold all lodge safety and security standards for guests and staff.
⢠Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately and securely.
⢠Assist with incident reporting and injury-on-duty documentation where required.
Maintenance Oversight
⢠Work closely with the Maintenance team to ensure all facilities are maintained to the highest standard.
⢠Address urgent maintenance issues and equipment failures promptly.
⢠Support the upkeep of lodge infrastructure, guest areas, gardens and swimming pools.
⢠Monitor maintenance projects and preventative maintenance schedules.
Systems & Technology
⢠Ensure effective utilisation of lodge management and reporting systems.
⢠Support the implementation of operational technologies and system improvements.
⢠Utilise reporting and communication tools to enhance operational efficiency.
⢠Identify opportunities for innovation and service enhancement.
⢠Ensure guest accommodation systems and operational processes function effectively.
Reporting & Communication
⢠Compile and submit operational reports as required.
⢠Report guest complaints, incidents and operational risks in accordance with company procedures.
⢠Represent the lodge in management meetings and forums.
⢠Maintain effective communication across all departments to ensure seamless operations.
⢠Ensure maintenance issues, equipment failures and operational concerns are reported and addressed promptly.
Requirements
⢠Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management or a related field.
⢠Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior management role within a luxury lodge or hospitality environment.
⢠Comprehensive knowledge of all lodge departments including Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Office and Maintenance.
⢠Strong financial management, budgeting and cost control skills.
⢠Excellent leadership, people management and problem-solving abilities.
⢠Outstanding guest relations and communication skills.
⢠Proficient in Microsoft Office, PMS and POS systems.
⢠Experience working with lodge management systems such as ResRequest, Semper or PANstrat.
⢠Fluent in English; additional languages would be advantageous.
⢠Valid driver's licence.
⢠Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
⢠Comfortable living and working in a remote lodge environment.
Core Competencies
⢠Strong operational and strategic thinking abilities.
⢠Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
⢠Financial literacy and sound decision-making capabilities.
⢠Calm, professional and solution-oriented approach under pressure.
⢠Passion for hospitality, guest service and conservation.
⢠Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
⢠High levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
⢠Cultural awareness and inclusiveness.
Package
⢠Salary: R18,000 Negotiable Depending on Experience.
⢠Live-in accommodation provided.
⢠Opportunity to join a respected luxury lodge within the Greater Kruger region.
Suitable candidates who are passionate about luxury hospitality and guest excellence are invited to submit their CV for consideration.