JOB SPECIFICATION: DUTY MANAGER (GAME RESERVE / SAFARI LODGE)Location: South Africa (Game Reserve / Lodge)Reporting to: Lodge Manager / General Manager1. Job PurposeTo oversee daily lodge operations during assigned shifts, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, smooth departmental coordination, and adherence to 4–5-star hospitality standards in a remote game reserve environment.2. Key Responsibilities2.1 Operations ManagementOversee all lodge operations including:Front OfficeHousekeepingFood & BeverageMaintenanceGuest ActivitiesEnsure seamless coordination between departmentsAct as the senior manager on duty during shiftsConduct daily briefings and manage shift handoversStep in for Lodge Manager when required2.2 Guest ExperienceWelcome and host guests to deliver a luxury safari experienceManage check-ins, check-outs, and guest itinerariesHandle guest complaints, queries, and special requests professionallyEnsure personalized service for VIPs, honeymooners, and special occasionsMonitor guest satisfaction and resolve issues promptly2.3 Staff Supervision & LeadershipSupervise and lead front-of-house and operational staffTrain, mentor, and develop junior employeesManage staff schedules, attendance, and performancePromote teamwork and a positive lodge cultureEnforce discipline, grooming, and service standards2.4 Administration & Financial ControlManage reservations systems (e.g., NightsBridge, Opera)Handle billing, cash-ups, and daily revenue reportingAssist with stock control, procurement, and inventoryCompile daily reports, incident logs, and guest feedbackMonitor cost control and operational budgets2.5 Health, Safety & ComplianceEnsure compliance with:Health & safety regulationsHygiene and food safety standardsEnvironmental and conservation policiesAct as emergency contact during shiftsMaintain lodge security and safety procedures2.6 Guest Activities CoordinationCoordinate:Game drivesBush dinnersSpa treatmentsTransfers and excursionsEnsure all guest experiences me...

JOB SPECIFICATION: DUTY MANAGER (GAME RESERVE / SAFARI LODGE)

Location: South Africa (Game Reserve / Lodge)
Reporting to: Lodge Manager / General Manager

1. Job Purpose

To oversee daily lodge operations during assigned shifts, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, smooth departmental coordination, and adherence to 4–5-star hospitality standards in a remote game reserve environment.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Operations Management

• Oversee all lodge operations including:
  
  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Food & Beverage
  • Maintenance
  • Guest Activities
• Ensure seamless coordination between departments
• Act as the senior manager on duty during shifts
• Conduct daily briefings and manage shift handovers
• Step in for Lodge Manager when required

2.2 Guest Experience

• Welcome and host guests to deliver a luxury safari experience
• Manage check-ins, check-outs, and guest itineraries
• Handle guest complaints, queries, and special requests professionally
• Ensure personalized service for VIPs, honeymooners, and special occasions
• Monitor guest satisfaction and resolve issues promptly

2.3 Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and lead front-of-house and operational staff
• Train, mentor, and develop junior employees
• Manage staff schedules, attendance, and performance
• Promote teamwork and a positive lodge culture
• Enforce discipline, grooming, and service standards

2.4 Administration & Financial Control

• Manage reservations systems (e.g., NightsBridge, Opera)
• Handle billing, cash-ups, and daily revenue reporting
• Assist with stock control, procurement, and inventory
• Compile daily reports, incident logs, and guest feedback
• Monitor cost control and operational budgets

2.5 Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  
  • Health & safety regulations
  • Hygiene and food safety standards
  • Environmental and conservation policies
• Act as emergency contact during shifts
• Maintain lodge security and safety procedures

2.6 Guest Activities Coordination

• Coordinate:
  
  • Game drives
  • Bush dinners
  • Spa treatments
  • Transfers and excursions
• Ensure all guest experiences meet lodge standards

3. Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) – essential
• Diploma/Degree in Hospitality / Tourism – preferred

Experience

• 3–5+ years in hospitality (game lodge or hotel environment)
• At least 1–2 years in a supervisory/management role
• Experience in a luxury lodge or game reserve advantageous

4. Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Guest-focused with high attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to work under pressure in remote environments
• Computer literacy (MS Office, PMS systems)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

5. Personal Attributes

• Professional, well-presented, and service-driven
• Passion for wildlife, conservation, and hospitality
• Flexible and adaptable (long hours, weekends, public holidays)
• Calm, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Ability to live and work in remote locations

6. Working Conditions & Benefits (Typical)

• Live-in position (accommodation provided)
• Meals on duty
• Uniform provided
• Rotational shifts / cyclical leave
• Potential gratuities and incentives