General Manager - Luxury Private Game Reserve - Greater Hoedspruit, Limpopo | SL

General Manager - Luxury Private Game Reserve - Greater Kruger, Limpopo

Kendrick Recruitment is conducting a confidential search for an exceptional, experienced and commercially astute General Manager for a well-regarded luxury private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area of Limpopo.

This is the most senior on-site leadership position at the reserve, reporting directly to the Operations Director. The GM will have full operational accountability across multiple lodges and reserve areas, overseeing a broad management team that includes Lodge Managers, a Hospitality Manager, Head Guide, Executive Chef, Head of Maintenance, Procurement Manager and an on-reserve finance team.

This is a role for a proven, multi-property leader who combines strong commercial discipline with exceptional people skills, a genuine passion for the African bush and an uncompromising commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences.

Please note: This is a live-in position. Single accommodation is preferred; exceptional candidates with partners are encouraged to apply as individual circumstances can be discussed. Partner employment will be considered where a suitable vacancy exists and the candidate meets relevant requirements.

Game Lodge management experience is specifically required for this role. Candidates from hotel-only backgrounds without lodge management experience will not be considered.

Minimum Requirements:

Proven experience as a General Manager or senior multi-property Operations Manager within a luxury private game reserve - essential and non-negotiable5-star lodge experience - essential

Strong financial management capability including budgeting, forecasting, P&L analysis, CAPEX planning and cost control

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop a large, multi-disciplinary senior management team

Sound understanding of HR legislation, disciplinary procedures and staff development in a remote lodge environment

Strong guest experience orientation with the ability to maintain brand standards across multiple properties

Solid knowledge of lodge operations including F&B, housekeeping, guiding, maintenance and procurement

Understanding of health, safety, environmental compliance and legal obligations within a game reserve context

Experience driving and implementing lodge management systems, operational reporting and technology

Community relations experience and genuine commitment to meaningful community engagement

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Valid South African driver's licence

Stable career history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities:🏆 Strategic & Operational Oversight

Oversee day-to-day performance of all lodge operations through Lodge Managers

Conduct regular lodge and reserve site visits to ensure operational consistency, quality and brand alignment

Identify and resolve systemic inefficiencies and operational risks across the reserve

Monitor and ensure the quality of guest experiences across all activities including game drives, walks, dining and accommodation

Ensure seamless coordination between reservations and lodge operations💰 Financial Performance

Manage and monitor the annual Hospitality Operations budget

Set, review and drive lodge-level budgets, forecasts and financial KP

Is in collaboration with Lodge Managers

Analyse P&L performance across all lodges and drive group-wide profitability

Review and approve operational expenditure and recommend CAPEX for the annual budget cycle

Ensure cost control and resource optimisation at all levels👥 Leadership & Human Capital

Mentor, performance manage and develop Lodge Managers and the broader management team

Lead succession planning, leadership development and team culture across all lodges

Oversee recruitment and onboarding of all lodge employees together with the Hospitality Manager

Drive a culture of service excellence, personal accountability and operational pride

Ensure all performance management, appraisals and disciplinary processes are conducted correctly and timeously🌟 Guest Experience & Brand Standards

Ensure guest experiences across all lodges are consistently exceptional and brand-aligned

Review guest feedback, online review trends and escalation points - implement corrective measures proactively

Maintain visibility with key guests, agents and return guests when required

Drive year-on-year improvement in guest satisfaction and return guest rates⚖️ Risk, Safety & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with health, safety, labour and environmental legislation

Audit lodge safety protocols and emergency procedures across all properties

Monitor licences, permits, insurance and lodge-level legal obligations

Support lodge teams during crises or incident resolution⚙️ Systems, Technology & Infrastructure

Drive implementation and usage of lodge management and reporting systems

Standardise operational reporting and communication tools across the reserve

Manage vendor contracts and SL

As across all lodges

Evaluate and implement infrastructure and technology upgrades where necessary🌍 Community Initiatives

Identify, develop and ensure effective implementation of community projects and support systems

Build and maintain meaningful, beneficial community relationships

Ensure community engagement is actioned as intended and measured

KP

Is include:

Operational audit scores ≥ 85% across all lodges

Guest satisfaction scores ≥ 90%Group-wide GOP margin at or above target

Lodge budget adherence within ±5%Lodge Manager retention ≥ 80% per year100% compliance with legal and regulatory inspections

Online review score average ≥ 90%Package:

Market-related salary commensurate with experience

Live-in: Single accommodation provided on the reserve

Permanent position

Should you feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply with your updated CV, contactable references and a recent head and shoulders photo ASAP!📌 Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.