&Beyond is built, almost entirely, on the strength of remarkable people who give passionately to their roles, work tirelessly, and have the guest experience at the core of their focus daily and care of the sustainability of our communities and environment. Every single ‘&Beyonder’ makes a huge difference to our success and our contribution to the world, regardless of their role or function. For this reason we choose ‘&Beyonders’ very carefully – they are the strength and the future of this company.

KEY OUTPUTS:

Managerial:

• Assist the General Manager in the overall responsibility for the effective management on all levels at Kichwa Tembo and Bateleur Camp.
• Take over full responsibility of property & staff whilst General Manager is on leave
• Assist to ensure the lodges and brand are taken to the next level of service standards and edge the product and meet expectations on guest feedback
• Drive a culture of learning, development, accountability and succession planning across all departments.
• Foster a positive team culture aligned with the &Beyond purpose, values and recognition programmes.
• Provide visible leadership and act as the key link between the General Manager, management teams and lodge staff.

Financial:

• Take responsibility in assisting the General Manager in creating and management of lodge budgets
• Work closely with the Lodge accountant to prepare, manage and acheive budgets
• Responsible for operational strategizing and sourcing of andBeyond standardised items and close assistance in operational orders and decision making.
• Assist in Capex structuring, planning and implementing
• Project managing of Capex and financial projects where needed
• Identify and implement cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining exceptional guest experiences and operational standards
• Assist in implementing of cost controls in collaboration with the Lodge Accountant.

Operational:

• Assist the General Manager in the overall Day to Day Management of all Heart of House and Front of House areas at Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.
• Daily meeting with Heads of Department to discuss the daily plan, including arrivals, departures, maintenance, food, special requests, bush banqueting, guest and staff delight
• Work closely with the Lodge Maintenance team to oversee and implement all maintenance projects and deliver &Beyond maintenance standards.
• Direct responsibility to create new guest delights and ensure the team is performing within &Beyond standards to deliver an extraordinary guest experience.
• Drive the digital day sheet
• Assist in creating an environment where the &Beyond Golden Thread is continuously met and visible throughout the daily functioning of the lodge
• Upkeep of Best Operation Practices (BOPs), styling guides and daily communication with operations managers on guest & service details.
• Assist in working with Human Resources in the lodge, ensuring labour relations, leave and medical funds are managed correctly
• Assist in working with Executive chef to ensure menu and food are aligned to lodge quality standards and food budgets are being met and monitored
• Assist in working with Head Ranger to make sure standards of &Beyond guiding standards are met
• Drive the consistent implementation of &Beyond operational, service and brand standards across both camps.
• Drive the effective utilisation of operational systems, reporting tools and company processes.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, security and risk management standards and procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness, crisis management and incident response processes.
• Assist in working with Management Teams of both camps to strategize outputs of all Head of Departments to ensure &Beyond Lodge and Service standards are maintained at all times

VALUES

• Assist in driving sustainability initiatives
• Assist in driving community development projects, in conjunction with the Wild impact
• Assist in developing strategic relationships with governmental organisations, wildlife, organisations and communities
• Active support of General Manager and strategizing for &Beyond Life, recognition programs and staff welfare.
• Assist in creating annual and monthly training plan for all departments and structure external training and exchanges with other lodges where possible
• Implement skills development plan
• Operational link between General Manager, management teams and general staff.

GUESTS

• Assist in hosting all agents, media and VIP groups
• Host all guests coming through Bateleur Camp as well as Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
• Assist reception in checking on forecasts, day sheets, reservations etc.
• Drive communication to Bateleur House (Johannesburg), Nairobi Office, agents, &Beyond Marketing and Reservations teams
• Make sure standards are met for an extraordinary guest experience

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Energetic, proactive person with well-developed concept of the importance of providing a world-class guest experience and the ability to provide that experience.
• Aware, evolved, energetic, compassionate, respectable, good communication and a strong leader.
• Lateral thinking ability
• Calmness under pressure and ability to make decisions independently
• Ability to work with local communities
• A hands on approach and willingness to work irregular operating hours
• Initiative
• Must be able to cope under pressure to meet guests needs
• Good interpersonal skills and communication with staff and guests
• Attention to detail
• Diligence and self-motivation to meet deadlines
• Willingness/ability to share information and teach and inspire others
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development skills.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Commitment to conservation, sustainability and community development.
• Computer and financial skills

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Experience in the service industry especially in dealing with guests and staff
• Previous management experience in an operation with more than 30 beds.
• At least 8 years management experience

We reserve the right not to make an appointment

Contact information

Ziphozethu Bota