Managing Director – Luxury Lodge

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Managing Director to oversee the overall management and strategic direction of a luxury lodge in the Eastern Cape.
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strong leadership across all areas of the operation, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high hospitality standards and driving the financial and commercial performance of the property.
This is a senior leadership position requiring a hands-on, visible and commercially focused individual with extensive experience in luxury hospitality, lodge operations and team management.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the lodge.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations across all departments.
• Develop and implement business strategies to achieve operational and financial objectives.
• Ensure consistently high standards of guest service and hospitality.
• Maintain strong relationships with guests, owners, suppliers, agents and key stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop the lodge management team and wider staff complement.
• Monitor and manage operational budgets, revenue and expenditure.
• Drive profitability and identify opportunities to improve revenue and operational efficiency.
• Oversee Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Guiding and other lodge operations.
• Ensure effective stock control, purchasing and supplier management.
• Monitor operational procedures and ensure compliance with company standards and relevant regulations.
• Analyse financial and operational reports and implement corrective action where required.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, training and staff development.
• Foster a positive, professional and accountable working environment.
• Drive sales, marketing and business development initiatives in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with travel agents, tour operators and other industry partners.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement initiatives to continuously improve the guest experience.
• Ensure the property, facilities and equipment are maintained to the required luxury standard.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate solutions.
• Represent the lodge professionally at industry events, meetings and with key stakeholders.
• Report regularly to the owners/directors on operational performance, financial results and strategic initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Hospitality Management, Business Management or related qualification would be advantageous.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in senior hospitality management, preferably within luxury lodges, safari properties or 5-star establishments.
• Proven experience in a General Manager, Lodge Manager, Operations Manager, Hotel Manager or similar senior leadership position.
• Strong understanding of lodge operations and the luxury hospitality environment.
• Proven financial and commercial management experience.
• Experience managing budgets, revenue, costs and profitability.
• Strong staff leadership and people management experience.
• Excellent guest relations and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strong sales, marketing and business development understanding.
• Excellent administration, organisational and planning skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple operational priorities.
• A valid driver's licence would be advantageous.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Luxury Lodge Operations
• Financial & Commercial Management
• Revenue Management
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Staff Management & Development
• Guest Relations
• Sales & Business Development
• Marketing
• Food & Beverage Operations
• Stock & Procurement Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Planning
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making
• Communication
• Performance Management

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, confident and commercially astute hospitality leader with a strong background in luxury lodge operations.
They should be highly visible and hands-on, with the ability to lead from the front while also taking responsibility for the broader strategic and financial direction of the property.
The successful candidate must be passionate about luxury hospitality, guest satisfaction and team development, while possessing the commercial awareness required to drive the lodge's long-term success.

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