Senior Duty Manager at Phoenix Recruitment

• Exclusive 5* Safari Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve is looking for an experienced Senior Duty Manager to join their team.
• Offering private suites overlooking a river valley, the lodge delivers an intimate safari experience centred on discreet, personalised service. This hands-on role will lead daily operations while on duty and take operational responsibility in the Resident Manager’s absence.

Duties:

Guest Experience:

• Oversee the guest experience from arrival to departure, ensuring attentive and personalised service.
• Coordinate special occasions, private dining and guest requests while protecting guest privacy.
• Resolve sensitive complaints within delegated authority and follow through on agreed actions.

Team Leadership & Lodge Standards:

• Set operational priorities, conduct duty briefings and maintain clear departmental handovers.
• Coach employees, reinforce service standards and address performance or conduct concerns professionally.
• Inspect suites, private decks, plunge pools, outdoor relaxation areas and bathrooms for service readiness.
• Maintain consistently high presentation standards throughout public areas.
• Prioritise maintenance concerns according to safety and guest impact, verifying that corrective work is completed.

Food & Beverage:

• Lead restaurant and private dining service, coordinating meal timings around game drives.
• Confirm dietary requirements with the kitchen and monitor service quality.
• Oversee food and beverage stock usage and minimise wastage.

​​​​​​​Administration & Operational Management:

• Oversee stock ordering and stocktakes, investigate variances and enforce purchasing controls.
• Monitor departmental expenditure against budgets and support payroll administration.
• Submit weekly reports highlighting operational risks and matters requiring management attention.
• Act as the senior operational contact in the Resident Manager’s absence.
• Coordinate guest movements and game-drive departures with the guiding team.
• Maintain safety and emergency procedures appropriate to a cliffside lodge within a wildlife reserve.

​​​​​​​Requirements:

• Grade 12
• A formal hospitality qualification
• At least 3+ years proven leadership experience in senior duty management, assistant lodge management or a comparable luxury hospitality role.
• Experience within a luxury safari lodge or tented camp environment is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver personalised service and resolve sensitive guest complaints discreetly.
• Experience coordinating Housekeeping, Maintenance and Food & Beverage operations.
• Strong administrative and reporting skills, including proficiency in Opera.
• Practical experience monitoring budgets, controlling costs and managing purchasing, stocktakes and variances.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of the role and work safely around wildlife.
• Sound judgement and confidence making independent decisions within delegated authority.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise under pressure.
• A visible, hands-on leadership style that promotes accountability.
• Willingness to work extended and flexible hours.
• Immediate availability would be advantageous.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2026