Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager

Kendrick Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager on behalf of a luxury 5\-star lodge located in Limpopo. The successful candidate will be based in Cape Town, working closely with the lodge’s operational and reservations teams.

This role is suited to a commercially driven hospitality professional with strong experience in revenue management, travel trade sales, and digital marketing within the luxury tourism or safari sector.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Management

• Develop and implement pricing and yield strategies to optimise occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR in line with seasonal trends and demand
  




• Monitor booking patterns, competitor performance, and market demand to proactively adjust strategies
  




• Manage distribution channels, ensuring rate parity and maximising direct bookings
  




• Produce monthly performance and forecasting reports, highlighting revenue opportunities
  




• Collaborate with reservations to refine booking procedures and enhance guest conversion through the use of AI
  

Travel & Trade Sales

• Build and maintain strong relationships with travel trade partners, including tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, and luxury safari specialists
  




• Represent the lodge at trade shows, roadshows, and online travel platforms
  




• Negotiate rates and packages with domestic and international operators
  




• Identify new market opportunities within niche segments such as honeymoon travel, conservation tourism, small groups, and exclusive\-use bookings
  




• Conduct market visits, property tours, and partner engagements to strengthen brand presence
  

Digital Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Design and execute targeted digital campaigns across Google Ads, Meta Ads, and email marketing
  




• Oversee the lodge’s online presence, including website performance, SEO, and brand storytelling content
  




• Manage social media channels to authentically showcase wildlife experiences, conservation initiatives, and guest stories
  




• Track and analyse marketing performance, ensuring strong ROI and engagement
  




• Collaborate with photographers, content creators, and PR partners to position the lodge as a leading safari destination
  

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years’ experience in hospitality revenue management, travel trade sales, or digital marketing
  




• Experience within the luxury lodge or safari sector is highly advantageous
  




• Strong understanding of tourism distribution systems, OTAs, and travel trade partnerships
  




• Experience with Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, OTA Insight, PMS, CRS, and sales reporting tools
  




• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong brand storytelling ability
  




• Passion for nature\-based tourism, conservation, and authentic guest experiences
  

Key Competencies

• Analytical, strategic, and commercial mindset with strong negotiation skills
  




• Data\-driven approach with a clear understanding of performance metrics
  




• Creative thinking in marketing and content development
  




• Understanding of high\-end hospitality and guest expectations in a safari setting
  




• Ability to balance revenue objectives with brand integrity and guest satisfaction
  




• Team\-oriented, adaptable, and proactive within a remote lodge environment
  




• Strong multitasking and relationship management skills
  

Performance Indicators

• Growth in total room and package revenue, including RevPAR and ADR
  




• Increase in direct bookings versus OTA contribution
  




• Expansion of trade partnerships and repeat business from key agents
  




• Improved digital engagement metrics and campaign ROI
  




• Consistent brand representation across all online and offline channels
  

Candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment for consideration.