Operations Manager
Bryanston, Sandton, 2191, South Africa · Permanent · Lodge/Hotel Management
Our client is seeking an accomplished Operations Manager to lead and optimise the operational performance of a portfolio of luxury safari lodges. This is a senior multi-property leadership position requiring significant luxury lodge operations, commercial, financial and people-management experience. The successful candidate will work closely with Lodge General Managers and operational leadership teams to drive profitability, guest satisfaction, operational excellence and consistent standards across the portfolio. Key responsibilities include: • Provide strategic operational leadership across multiple luxury lodges • Translate business objectives into measurable property-level operational plans • Coach, mentor and hold Lodge Managers accountable for performance • Drive revenue optimisation, profitability and operational efficiencies • Monitor budgets, operating costs, KPIs and financial performance • Support achievement of EBITDA and return-on-investment objectives • Implement and monitor SOPs and operational best practices • Conduct regular property visits and operational reviews • Monitor guest satisfaction, feedback and service recovery • Ensure lodge facilities, infrastructure and assets are maintained appropriately • Work closely with Finance, HR, Sales & Marketing, Procurement and Maintenance • Support talent development and succession planning • Drive sustainability, conservation and environmental initiatives • Ensure compliance with legislation, health and safety, security and company standards • Identify operational risks and implement corrective action Requirements: •Grade 12 •Hospitality, Tourism or Business Management qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent •Minimum 5 years’ experience in a comparable senior operational leadership position •Minimum 5 years’ experience managing luxury lodges, camps or hospitality operations across multiple properties •Proven ability to drive revenue, profitability, cost management and guest satisfaction •Strong financial and commercial acumen •Excellent leadership and people-development capability •Strong strategic planning and execution skills •Excellent stakeholder-management ability •Decisive, accountable and solutions driven •Extensive luxury lodge operations experience is essential