Deputy General Manager | Royal Malewane Lodges

Royal Malewane is expanding with a brand-new property set to open in 2025. We are seeking a dynamic Deputy General Manager to lead the final build phase and ensure a seamless transition into operation. In this role, you'll oversee the implementation of The Royal Portfolio’s Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring that they meet our Group's meticulous standards. Join us in bringing to life a new luxury experience in the bush, with the aim of achieving our Purpose from day one: "To give our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay."

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Construction - consult on and oversee the build, alongside Project Managers, Architect, Designers and Contractors, in order to ensure that the property will function optimally
• Leadership – recruitment of a full team, onboarding, training, performance management, disciplinaries, etc
• Hotel operations - oversee purchasing to set up all departments, implement SOPs, oversee training, ensure smooth running of all departments
• Budgeting - assisting departments and management to remain on budget
• Guest Relations - ensuring positive guest feedback and being visible and accessible to guests at all times
• Asset upkeep - ensuring functionality and maintenance of buildings, equipment, furniture, grounds, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in a 5-star Lodge environment, living on-site, working extended cycles of 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off
• Diploma or Degree in Hotel Management
• Minimum 5-years’ experience in a Management role within a 5-star lodge environment
• Strong Food & Beverage knowledge, and aware of trends in the industry
• South African Wine Academy or WSET course completion
• Experience working across all departments of a hotel/ lodge operation
• Fair knowledge of general maintenance
• Opera and Micros proficiency, as well as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams
• Ability to handle pressure, with a sense of urgency
• Work well within team environment and leads by example
• Excellent communication, both verbal and written, with very strong interpersonal skills
• Highly organised
• Approachable and caring in nature
• Firm and assertive with fair disposition
• Dedicated and driven individual who is ambitious
• Mature attitude to business
• Passionate about sustainability and the environment

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio.
South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document.
It is a requirement of the Thornybush Nature Reserve is that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.