General Manager — Luxury Safari Lodge (Botswana)
A world‑class luxury safari lodge is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the full operation of a remote, five‑star property. This role requires a seasoned hospitality professional who is deeply committed to guest experience, operational excellence, sustainability, and community impact.
The ideal candidate is highly respected within the tourism industry, has extensive experience running a premium lodge independently, and thrives in remote environments where leadership, resilience, and resourcefulness are essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build strong, trust‑based relationships with staff, guests, community stakeholders, government departments, industry partners, and travel agents.
- Drive meaningful community development initiatives and embed sustainability into daily operations, ensuring measurable impact.
- Oversee all lodge functions including guest experience, food and beverage, game activities, housekeeping, maintenance, and front‑of‑house standards.
- Lead cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Ensure the lodge remains agile and efficient in a changing business environment.
- HR & People Development: Uphold policies and procedures, maintain a healthy HR structure, and cultivate a high‑performance culture through training, coaching, and mentorship.
- Product Development: Continuously elevate the guest journey across all touchpoints — lodge aesthetics, culinary offering, guiding quality, and experiential design.
- Conduct regular assessments of vehicles, generators, equipment, and buildings to ensure functionality, safety, and longevity.
- Personally host VIP guests, media groups, and industry partners with warmth, professionalism, and confidence.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
- Energetic, proactive, and deeply committed to delivering a world‑class guest experience
- Strong leadership presence: aware, compassionate, respectable, and able to inspire teams
- Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence
- Solid computer literacy and financial acumen
- Passion for hospitality, conservation, sustainability, and community upliftment
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years as a Lodge Manager or General Manager in a five‑star, remote safari environment
- Proven track record managing both guests and staff in high‑end hospitality
- Formal qualification in Hospitality Management or Business Management
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Warm, outgoing, and confident when engaging with affluent international guests
- Well‑presented, honest, diligent, and self‑motivated
- Able to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong command of the English language
