Assistant General Manager

SUMMARY:
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and hands-on Assistant General Manager to join an exclusive luxury lodge in Bela-Bela, Limpopo.
The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager to oversee the daily operations of the lodge, ensuring that all departments function efficiently and consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.
This is a senior management position requiring a strong understanding of luxury hospitality operations, financial management, staff leadership and guest relations. The ideal candidate must be a confident leader who can motivate and manage teams, maintain exceptional operational standards and ensure that the lodge operates in line with its service expectations and business objectives.
Previous experience in a senior management role within a luxury lodge, safari lodge, boutique hotel or five-star hospitality establishment is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Lodge Operations & Management

• Assist the General Manager with the overall management and daily operations of the lodge.
• Oversee the smooth running of all departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Kitchen, Maintenance and Guest Relations.
• Ensure that all departments operate according to established luxury hospitality standards and procedures.
• Conduct regular operational inspections to ensure that facilities, guest areas and staff areas are maintained to the highest standards.
• Monitor departmental performance and ensure that operational objectives and standards are consistently achieved.
• Assist with developing, implementing and monitoring operational policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all lodge facilities, equipment and guest amenities are maintained appropriately.
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between all departments.

• Ensure that guests receive exceptional, personalised and memorable service throughout their stay.
• Oversee guest arrivals, departures and overall guest experiences.
• Handle guest complaints, queries and special requests professionally and efficiently.
• Maintain strong relationships with guests and ensure that their expectations are consistently exceeded.
• Monitor guest feedback, online reviews and service standards.
• Ensure that VIP guests and special occasions receive appropriate attention.
• Lead by example in maintaining the lodge's luxury service standards.

• Assist with the recruitment, selection, onboarding and training of staff.
• Supervise, motivate and develop departmental managers and team members.
• Ensure that staff members understand their roles, responsibilities and performance expectations.
• Monitor staff performance and assist with performance appraisals where required.
• Oversee staff scheduling, attendance and departmental staffing requirements.
• Address staff-related matters and workplace challenges professionally.
• Promote a positive, professional and accountable working environment.
• Ensure that staff comply with company policies, procedures and disciplinary standards.
• Identify training and development opportunities to improve departmental performance.

• Assist with preparing, monitoring and controlling operational budgets.
• Monitor departmental expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Oversee stock control, purchasing and inventory management across departments.
• Monitor revenue, occupancy levels and operational performance.
• Assist with financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Ensure that expenses are managed effectively without compromising guest experience.
• Monitor payroll costs and departmental labour requirements.
• Ensure that administrative records and operational reports are accurate and up to date.
• Assist the General Manager with achieving the lodge's financial and operational targets.

• Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, hygiene and hospitality regulations.
• Monitor health and safety procedures throughout the lodge.
• Ensure that all departments maintain appropriate cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Oversee the reporting and handling of incidents, accidents and operational risks.
• Ensure that emergency procedures and safety protocols are implemented and followed.
• Assist with maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable legislation.

• Act as the General Manager's representative in their absence when required.
• Attend management meetings and contribute to operational planning and decision-making.
• Prepare operational reports and provide feedback to senior management.
• Assist with implementing new initiatives and improving overall lodge performance.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers, service providers and business partners.
• Perform additional management duties as required.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management or Business Management. A relevant qualification in Tourism or Hospitality would be advantageous. Additional management, leadership or financial management training would be beneficial. Experience Requirements Minimum 5 years' experience within the hospitality industry. Minimum 2-3 years' experience in a senior management position, preferably as an Assistant General Manager, Lodge Manager, Operations Manager or Hotel Manager. Previous experience within a luxury lodge, safari lodge, five-star hotel or boutique hospitality establishment is essential. Strong knowledge of all aspects of lodge and hotel operations. Proven experience managing multiple departments and leading departmental managers. Experience with budgeting, financial reporting and cost control. Strong understanding of revenue management, occupancy and operational profitability. Experience with staff recruitment, training, performance management and development. Proven ability to maintain exceptional guest service standards. Experience handling guest complaints and resolving operational challenges. Skills and Competencies Excellent leadership and people management abilities. Strong operational and strategic management skills. Excellent financial and commercial awareness. Good budgeting, forecasting and cost-control abilities. Exceptional organisational and administrative skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to manage multiple departments simultaneously. Strong guest relations and customer service skills. Ability to motivate, develop and manage diverse teams. Excellent planning and time-management skills. Good computer literacy and knowledge of hospitality management systems. Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions. Personal Attributes Professional, confident and well-presented. Hands-on leadership approach with strong management presence. Highly organised and detail-oriented. Proactive, self-motivated and results-driven. Approachable, fair and able to communicate effectively with staff. Passionate about luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction. Strong work ethic and sense of accountability. Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic lodge environment. Calm and composed when dealing with challenging situations. Honest, reliable and trustworthy. Able to lead by example and maintain high professional standards. Additional Requirements This is a live-in position at a luxury lodge in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Candidates must be willing to relocate and reside on the lodge property. Must be flexible to work shifts, weekends and public holidays according to operational requirements. Must be comfortable working in a remote luxury lodge environment. Must be available to assist with after-hours operational matters when required. A valid driver's licence is advantageous. Must be comfortable interacting with local and international guests. Must maintain a professional appearance and uphold the lodge's luxury service standards. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, experienced and hands-on hospitality professional with a proven track record in managing luxury lodge or hotel operations. They must have strong leadership capabilities, excellent financial and operational knowledge and the ability to oversee multiple departments while ensuring that exceptional guest experiences remain the highest priority. The successful candidate must be capable of supporting the General Manager, taking ownership of daily operations and stepping into a leadership role when required. They should be commercially aware, solutions-driven and passionate about developing staff, improving operational efficiency and maintaining the reputation of a luxury hospitality establishment. Location Requirement: Candidates must be willing to live on the lodge property in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, as this is a live-in position.