General Manager – Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
There are places in the world that change you. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is one of them.
And there are people who change the places they lead. That’s who we’re looking for.
Our Client has built its legacy on remarkable individuals — people who lead with heart, think with clarity, act with integrity, and hold guest experience, community, and environment at the centre of every decision. This role is no exception.
We’re searching for a seasoned, respected hospitality leader to take the helm of one of Africa’s most iconic desert lodges — someone who thrives in remote luxury environments, understands the rhythm of lodge life, and brings a deep commitment to sustainability, conservation, and community upliftment.
What This Role Calls For
- A General Manager who is not only operationally excellent, but emotionally intelligent.
- A leader who can hold the big picture while nurturing the smallest detail.
- A person who builds trust, inspires teams, and elevates guest experience to world‑class levels.
- You’ll be responsible for the full ecosystem of the lodge — people, product, performance, and purpose — ensuring that the Company thread is lived, felt, and visible in every touchpoint.
Key Responsibilities
People & Culture
- Build strong, respectful relationships with staff, guests, community partners, government departments, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a high‑performing lodge team.
- Drive a culture of unity, accountability, transparent communication, and continuous growth.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and workforce planning.
- Ensure all HR, labour relations, leave, and medical fund processes are correctly managed.
Guest Experience & Product Excellence
- Elevate every element of the guest journey — lodge, food, guiding, hosting, and all touchpoints.
- Partner with the Executive Chef to maintain exceptional culinary standards and cost alignment.
- Host VIPs, media, and agents with confidence and warmth.
- Ensure the lodge consistently meets service standards.
Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee day‑to‑day lodge operations and back‑of‑house management.
- Conduct regular assessments of equipment, vehicles, generators, and buildings.
- Lead CAPEX planning, maintenance budgeting, and structural improvements.
- Implement systems that enhance efficiency, quality, and operational flow.
Sustainability & Community Impact
- Work closely with Africa Foundation on community development initiatives.
- Analyse and improve sustainability practices, reduce carbon footprint, and manage natural resources responsibly.
- Champion conservation‑aligned decision‑making.
Finance & Business Leadership
- Provide full oversight of lodge financials, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Ensure cost control, business efficiencies, and responsible financial decision‑making.
- Monitor performance data to drive productivity, quality, and strategic outcomes.
Training & Development
- Create annual and monthly training plans across all departments.
- Facilitate external training and lodge exchange opportunities.
- Maintain a skills development plan that grows talent from within.
What Success Looks Like
- A lodge that operates seamlessly, sustainably, and profitably.
- A guest experience that consistently delights and differentiates.
- A team that feels empowered, supported, and proud of their contribution.
- A leader who is present, proactive, solutions‑driven, and deeply connected to people and place.
What You Bring
- Extensive experience managing a 5‑star lodge in a remote environment.
- Strong operational, financial, and people‑leadership capability.
- A passion for hospitality, conservation, and community upliftment.
- The ability to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with empathy.
- Energy, resilience, creativity, and a commitment to world‑class standards.
If you’re ready to lead one of Africa’s most extraordinary lodges — and to do so with purpose, humility, and excellence — we’d love to meet you.
