Luxury Big Five Reserve seeking a Management Couple: Field Guide (Full Trails) & Assistant Lodge / Relief Manager
Hoedspruit, South Africa · Permanent · Couple Roles
Geran Ellish Recruitment is seeking an experienced professional couple for a leading private Big Five reserve in the Greater Kruger region, operating a portfolio of luxury lodges within an open, free-roaming traversing system. This is a split-role couple position. One partner will be appointed as a Field Guide (Full Trails), the other as an Assistant Lodge Manager with relief management responsibility across the reserve's lodges. It will suit an established couple seeking a long-term appointment within a premium safari operation, who are comfortable working across more than one property. Both appointments are permanent. Each partner reports into their own line of management, and both partners must independently meet the requirements for their respective role. Couples where only one partner meets the standard cannot be considered. ROLE ONE: FIELD GUIDE (FULL TRAILS) The Field Guide will conduct game drives and guided walking activities for international and local guests, taking full responsibility for guest safety, encounter protocol and group control in a free-roaming dangerous game environment. The position is guest-facing throughout. Interpretation, hosting at meals and general contribution to the wider lodge operation form part of the role. Minimum requirements: FGASA Field Guide NQF Level 4, full qualification, current and in good standing FGASA Trails Guide (NQF Level 4), full qualification, signed off to lead as first rifle. Apprentice and Back-up Trails Guides are not eligible for this position. Professional Trails Guide or SKS (Dangerous Game) advantageous Valid FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH), current and in good standing Valid SAPS firearm competency certificate in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 PFTC firearm proficiency, declared competent against the applicable unit standards Current tourist guide registration with the provincial Tourist Guide Registrar, with a valid badge Valid First Aid certificate, Level 1 minimum, Level 2 or 3 preferred Current FGASA membership in good standing Tracker Level 1 (Track and Sign) advantageous. Higher tracking qualifications strongly preferred Minimum 3 years' guiding experience within a high-end or luxury safari lodge environment Prior experience within a Big Five, free-roaming or open system strongly preferred. Greater Kruger experience highly advantageous FGASA Dangerous Game logbook available for verification ROLE TWO: ASSISTANT LODGE MANAGER / RELIEF MANAGER The Assistant Lodge Manager will support the Lodge Manager in the day to day running of the lodge, covering guest experience, front of house, housekeeping standards, stock control and staff supervision. The relief component is central to this position. The successful candidate must be willing and able to provide management cover across the reserve's lodges as required. This may include moving between properties at short notice, standing in during leave cycles, and taking full operational responsibility for a lodge in the Lodge Manager's absence. Minimum requirements: Minimum 3 years' lodge management or assistant management experience within a four or five star safari lodge or boutique hospitality environment Demonstrated relief or acting management experience, or clear readiness to take full operational responsibility for a lodge Hospitality management qualification advantageous Strong front of house and guest relations ability, with confidence hosting high-end international guests Working knowledge of stock control, ordering, budgets and lodge administration Staff supervision and training experience, including running a lodge team on shift Proficiency in lodge management, reservations or POS systems, for example Panstrat, Semper, ResRequest or similar Sound understanding of health, safety and hygiene standards within a lodge environment A guiding qualification is not required for this role, but is advantageous REQUIRED OF BOTH CANDIDATES Valid RSA identity document, or valid work authorisation for South Africa Valid, unendorsed driver's licence. Valid PrDP where required for the position A clear criminal record, confirmed through background screening Written, contactable references from previous lodge or reserve management Fluent in English. Additional languages advantageous EXPERIENCE AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY The reserve is looking for candidates with a stable and credible employment history. Preference will be given to couples who can demonstrate long-term commitment to previous employers, consistency within luxury lodge environments, professional progression within their respective fields, and a genuine career in the industry rather than frequent movement between properties. Written references are compulsory and must be supplied for both partners, from previous lodge or reserve management. References must be verifiable and should confirm each candidate's ability in their role, professionalism, guest interaction, reliability and length of service. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Mature, professional and emotionally intelligent Able to work well together as a couple while operating within separate reporting lines Guest-focused and naturally hospitable Comfortable with the realities of a remote lodge environment, including limited privacy and connectivity Flexible about moving between properties at short notice Safety-conscious, with sound judgement under pressure Looking for a long-term opportunity, rather than a short-term position WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR This is not an entry-level appointment. The ideal couple will already have a proven track record within high-end safari lodges, hold the required qualifications for their respective roles, and demonstrate the maturity and experience necessary to operate at a premium guest-experience level. PACKAGE AND CONDITIONS Permanent appointments for both partners. Package is market related, negotiable depending on the experience and qualifications of both partners, and discussed at interview stage. Remaining terms, including accommodation, leave cycle and start date, will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates. HOW TO APPLY Email your application to specialistDNE@gmail.com, including the following for each partner: Updated CV Copies of all relevant qualifications, showing expiry dates where applicable For the guiding partner: FGASA certificates and proof of current membership, ARH certificate, SAPS firearm competency, PFTC unit standard certificates, First Aid certificate and tourist guide registration card Two written, contactable references each, from previous lodge or reserve management A short 2 to 3 minute video introducing yourselves, your careers to date and your interest in the position Applications are assessed as a couple. Both partners must apply together. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualification and experience requirements will be considered. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.