World-Class 5-Star Luxury Game Lodge | Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

An exceptional opportunity is available for an experienced and passionate Housekeeping Manager to join a prestigious luxury game lodge situated in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve. We are seeking a dynamic hospitality professional who is dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences through impeccable housekeeping standards, strong leadership, and meticulous attention to detail.

This position is ideally suited to an individual who thrives in a luxury hospitality environment, enjoys leading and developing teams, and understands the importance of creating a pristine and welcoming environment for guests visiting one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate should possess the following:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience within luxury hospitality housekeeping operations.
• At least 2 years’ experience managing a housekeeping department within a five-star lodge, luxury hotel, boutique property, or similar high-end hospitality environment.
• Proven experience leading, motivating, and developing housekeeping teams.
• Strong administrative and computer skills, including proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • PowerPoint
  • Internet and online systems
• Experience with HMS Infor and Sage systems will be advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of housekeeping operations, inventory management, stock control, and budgeting.
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• A strong understanding of five-star service standards and guest expectations.

Personal Attributes & Skills

We are looking for a hospitality professional who demonstrates:

• A genuine passion for hospitality, people, and service excellence.
• Professional presentation and conduct at all times.
• A positive, energetic, and proactive attitude.
• The ability to remain calm, focused, and solution-driven under pressure.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including cultural sensitivity and patience.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time-management abilities.
• A hands-on management style with a willingness to lead by example.
• High levels of accountability, integrity, ownership, and pride in their work.
• Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic hospitality environment.
• A realistic understanding of life in a remote bush environment and the ability to thrive within it.
• A positive sense of humour and an appreciation for a people-focused company culture.

Main Responsibilities

As Housekeeping Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that all guest accommodation, public areas, staff facilities, and back-of-house areas consistently meet and exceed five-star luxury standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the housekeeping department to deliver an exceptional guest experience through outstanding cleanliness, presentation, and attention to detail.
• Managing, supervising, and scheduling a team of approximately 20 housekeeping staff members in a fair, productive, and efficient manner.
• Ensuring all housekeeping operations comply with company standards, policies, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Conducting regular inspections of:
  • Guest suites and villas
  • Public areas
  • Lodge laundry facilities
  • Central laundry operations
  • Back-of-house areas
  • Staff accommodation where applicable
• Monitoring staff performance and providing ongoing coaching, training, and development to maintain exceptional service standards.
• Managing departmental stock, supplies, chemicals, linen, guest amenities, and equipment while ensuring appropriate par stock levels are maintained.
• Implementing and monitoring inventory control systems to minimise losses, reduce wastage, and improve operational efficiency.
• Managing departmental budgets and maintaining strict cost-control measures.
• Coordinating and implementing guest special requests relating to housekeeping and room preparation.
• Reviewing guest feedback and online reviews, proactively addressing concerns and implementing improvements where necessary.
• Working closely with Front Office, Maintenance, Food & Beverage, and other departments to ensure seamless lodge operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.
• Identifying opportunities to improve housekeeping procedures, productivity, and service delivery.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports, and departmental documentation.

Employment Package

The successful candidate will receive:

• Permanent full-time employment.
• Competitive monthly salary (to be discussed during the interview process).
• Live-in basic furnished accommodation.
• Monthly food allowance of R2,614.00 through lodge stores, in addition to salary.
• Medical Aid contribution of 50% by the company following successful completion of the 3-month probation period.
• Pension Fund contribution of 50% by the company following successful completion of the 3-month probation period.
• Share of guest gratuities upon the lodge’s reopening in 2027.
• Additional 1% company revenue gratuity upon reopening in 2027.
• 20 complimentary bed nights annually for family and friends upon reopening in 2027.
• Leave cycle of 4 weeks on duty followed by 2 weeks off.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates are invited to submit a current and detailed CV, including a complete and accurate employment history with clearly indicated months and years of employment for each position held.

Please note: While we appreciate every application received, only candidates whose experience and qualifications closely match our client’s requirements will be contacted for further consideration.

Job ID: 282373
Position: Housekeeping Manager
Industry: Luxury Game Lodges
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Housekeeping
Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Salary: Market Related

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this a live-in position?

Yes. The successful candidate will be provided with basic furnished live-in accommodation at the lodge, allowing them to be fully immersed in the operation and the unique bush environment.

2. What is the leave cycle for this position?

The position follows a 4-weeks-on, 2-weeks-off leave cycle, allowing for regular time away from the lodge.

3. How large is the housekeeping team?

The Housekeeping Manager will oversee and manage a team of approximately 20 housekeeping staff members, ensuring efficient scheduling, training, and performance management.

4. What type of property is this?

This is a world-class 5-star luxury game lodge located within the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, offering exclusive safari experiences and exceptional guest service.

5. Is previous luxury hospitality experience essential?

Yes. Candidates must have at least 5 years of luxury hospitality housekeeping experience, including a minimum of 2 years managing a housekeeping department within a five-star lodge, hotel, or luxury property.

6. What computer systems and software experience are required?

Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with HMS Infor and Sage systems will be considered advantageous.

7. Are meals provided?

A monthly food allowance of R2,614.00 is provided through the lodge stores, in addition to the employee’s salary.

8. What benefits are available after probation?

Following successful completion of the 3-month probation period, employees become eligible for company contributions of 50% towards both Medical Aid and Pension Fund benefits.

9. What are the key qualities you are looking for in a candidate?

We are seeking a professional, detail-oriented leader with strong organisational skills, excellent people management abilities, a passion for service excellence, and the ability to thrive in a remote luxury lodge environment.

10. Will all applicants receive feedback?

While every application is appreciated and carefully reviewed, only candidates whose qualifications and experience closely match the position requirements will be contacted for further consideration.