General Manager - Luxury Safari Lodge & Private Game Reserve

Company Overview

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a prestigious global luxury hotel and resort brand rooted in Thai culture, embodying genuine hospitality and a spirit of freedom and harmony. Since its foundation in 2001, the brand has expanded worldwide, offering guests unique experiences across stunning locations including pristine beaches, private islands, historical sites, and bustling cities.

Located near Victoria Falls within a private game reserve, Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel provides an exclusive luxury safari experience blending exceptional service, conservation, and authentic African hospitality.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded General Manager to oversee all aspects of operations for this distinguished boutique property. The ideal candidate will be a passionate luxury hospitality leader familiar with lodge operations, eager to maintain a visible presence among guests and staff, and committed to exceeding operational and commercial expectations.

As General Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the integration and excellence of accommodations, food & beverage, safari activities, facility maintenance, security, conservation efforts, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to multiple departments ensuring premium service quality and operational effectiveness.
• Direct all lodge functions including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Safari Activities, Engineering, Security, Finance, and Human Resources.
• Curate exceptional guest experiences from arrival through departure, encompassing lodging, dining, personalized service, and safari adventures.
• Promote a culture of luxury hospitality where every guest interaction surpasses expectations.
• Develop and nurture a strong leadership team through coaching, mentorship, and succession strategies.
• Encourage a collaborative and accountable workplace culture focused on continual improvement.
• Steer financial performance by managing revenue, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control to maximize profitability.
• Optimize property occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room without compromising luxury standards.
• Formulate and implement business plans aligned with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with Sales, Revenue Management, and Marketing teams to enhance market positioning.
• Establish and maintain relationships with luxury travel advisors, Destination Management Companies, tour operators, and key partners.
• Represent the lodge at events, host distinguished guests and media visits to enhance brand awareness.
• Liaise with government agencies, tourism bodies, conservation groups, and community organizations for compliance and partnership development.
• Champion wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and responsible tourism within the private game reserve.
• Support local community initiatives that foster positive social, ecological, and economic outcomes.
• Ensure the facility and guest areas are impeccably maintained via asset management and preventative upkeep.
• Adhere to company policies, brand standards, and all legal health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive top-level management experience as a General Manager or Hotel Manager within luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, or remote properties.
• Proven achievements in enhancing guest satisfaction alongside solid financial stewardship.
• Strong track record in budgeting, revenue optimization, business planning, and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Ability to build effective relationships with governmental, tourism, conservation, and community entities.
• Familiarity with international luxury hospitality standards preferred.
• Experience leading diverse, multicultural teams and fostering high employee engagement.
• Competent in managing capital projects, asset maintenance, and preventive upkeep.
• Passionate advocate for wildlife preservation, conservation, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Adaptability to live and function effectively in a remote luxury lodge environment.
• Experience in Southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe, is advantageous.
• Knowledge of private game reserve operations and safari activities is a plus.
• Additional language fluency is beneficial.

What We Offer

• Leadership opportunity at one of Southern Africa's premier boutique luxury safari properties.
• Engagement within a supportive, global hospitality group.
• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and international career advancement.
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to conservation and community development efforts in an iconic African destination.