Few lodges can say that they are located on the cusp of a World Heritage Site. This area is blessed by the waters of Lake St. Lucia, an estuarine lake system which sustains an abundance of birds and wildlife. With 18 wooden chalets built into the forest and overlooking the lake it is a true paradise destination.

Nibela Lake Lodge and Sobhengu Lodge falls within Dream Hotels & Resorts, a mixed-use accommodation group working towards greater accountability and local impact. Together, we’re on a mission to actively create a brighter future.

Dream Hotels & Resorts lives by its 8 core values. Our team is dedicated to being reliable and accountable, fostering empathy to understand others' feelings and collaboratively find solutions, and prioritizing sustainability in environmental, financial, and social aspects. Rooted in humanity, trust, dynamism, excellence, and joy, we celebrate diversity, prioritise integrity, embrace creativity, pursue quality, and foster a joyful work environment to connect people with our surroundings and each other. These play a part in our day-to-day decision making & operational requirements.

Job Overview:

As the Lodge Custodian, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the lodge  operations, ensuring the highest standards of guest satisfaction, financial performance, and employee engagement. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience, maintaining the property's reputation, and driving the achievement of business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations Management - Oversee the daily running of the lodge, ensuring everything runs smoothly while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
• Supply Chain & Logistics - With limited local suppliers and minimal direct deliveries, planning ahead is crucial. You’ll need to build strong relationships with reliable contractors and be creative with logistics to keep operations seamless.
• Team Leadership - Lead and develop a team with limited prior hospitality experience, fostering a culture of high standards, patience, and continuous growth.
• Community Engagement - Bridge the gap between the lodge and the local community, respecting cultural dynamics while maintaining professional standards.
• Problem Solving & Innovation - Tackle challenges head-on with creative, practical solutions to improve operations and guest experiences.
• Strategic Oversight - Balance attention to detail with a long-term vision, ensuring daily tasks align with the resort’s broader goals.
• Flexibility & Work Ethic - This role requires someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, can juggle multiple responsibilities, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves when needed.
• Drive & Commitment - A genuine passion for hospitality and a strong focus on delivering the best guest experience.
• Resilience & Adaptability - The ability to stay level-headed and solutions-focused in a remote setting with logistical challenges. This is not a desk job—you’ll need to be hands-on.
• Empathetic Leadership - Balancing firm decision-making with an understanding approach to developing a team with varied backgrounds. Decisions must consider the business, staff, guests, environment, and community.
• Strong Communication – Ability to manage relationships with local communities, external suppliers, and contractors effectively.
• Creative Problem Solving – Thinking outside the box is essential, especially when dealing with supply chain limitations and unique operational challenges.
• Organizational Skills & Strategic Thinking – Keeping the day-to-day in check while staying focused on long-term success.
• Vendor & Contractor Relations - Strong track record in managing supply chains and contractor partnerships under challenging conditions.
• Local Community Engagement – Experience working within rural or semi-urban settings, understanding how to align business needs with local customs
• Multi-Tasking & Time Management – The ability to manage different aspects of the resort’s operations without losing sight of priorities

Experience and Qualifications

Contact information

Natasha-Lee Shunmugam