Lodge Operations Manager at Summit Recruitment and Search in Laikipia, Kenya

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    Lodge Operations Manager

    Posted

    3 days ago

    Apply by

    20 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Mid
    Human Resources & Recruitment
    Management & Business Development

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    Job Description

    The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of a high-end safari lodge within a working wildlife conservancy in Laikipia. The role combines operational and financial management with a hands-on approach to guest experience, safari tourism, conservation and team leadership. He/She will ensure that the lodge operates efficiently and profitably while delivering an exceptional, authentic and highly personalised wilderness experience. As well as work closely with the Conservancy and wider operational teams to ensure that tourism and conservation objectives are aligned and mutually supportive.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Coordinate all lodge departments, ensuring consistently high standards of service, presentation, professionalism and operational efficiency.
    • Deliver an exceptional guest experience from arrival through to departure, responding effectively to guest requests, concerns and operational challenges.
    • Lead and develop the lodge team, managing rotas, daily briefings, performance, welfare, training and development, while fostering a flexible, one-team culture across departments.
    • Maintain high operational standards across food and beverage, housekeeping, guiding, maintenance, security and general presentation, ensuring the lodge, vehicles, equipment and guest areas are well maintained.
    • Manage lodge finances and resources, including budgets, purchasing, stock control, petty cash and expenditure, ensuring strong financial discipline and effective use of resources.
    • Ensure health, safety, security and regulatory standards are maintained across all lodge operations, with particular attention to the requirements of a remote wildlife environment.
    • Build strong knowledge and relationships across the Conservancy, including its wildlife, conservation objectives, communities and wider landscape, and maintain effective relationships with neighbouring properties, suppliers, guides and other stakeholders.
    • Support responsible tourism and continuous improvement, promoting the Conservancy's conservation and sustainability objectives while identifying opportunities to strengthen lodge performance, the guest experience and the lodge's contribution to the wider Conservancy.

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelors degree in relevant field
    • Proven experience in camp, lodge, or hospitality management, ideally within a luxury or safari environment.
    • Strong leadership, organisational, and people-management skills.
    • Excellent guest relations, hosting, and communication skills.
    • Sound financial management experience, including budgeting, stock control, and reporting.
    • Good knowledge of health, safety, security, and risk-management procedures.
    • A hands-on approach to operations, problem-solving, and service delivery.
    • Ability to live and work effectively in a remote environment, with flexibility, adaptability, and resilience.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Management & Business Development

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Hospitality

    Field of Study

    Hospitality Management

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to Summit Recruitment and Search on summitrecruitment-search.com to apply.

    Master the Remote Safari Lodge Operating Rhythm

    Running a high-end lodge in a wildlife conservancy is a 24/7 balancing act between guest delight, team morale, and conservation goals. Hiring managers here are looking for someone who has already lived the remote-lodge reality, not just managed a city hotel.

    1. Show your remote-lodge track record: On your CV, lead with specific examples of managing operations in a remote or off-grid setting. Highlight how you handled logistics, staff welfare, and emergencies when help was far away. Quantify results where possible, like occupancy rates or guest satisfaction scores.

    2. Prove your financial discipline: Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, controlled stock, and reduced waste in a lodge environment. Bring a small portfolio of reports you've prepared—budget vs. actual, stock variance, or cost-per-guest metrics. This shows you're not just a people person but a numbers person too.

    3. Speak the conservation language: This role sits inside a working conservancy, so you need to show you understand wildlife conservation and community relations. Mention any experience with eco-tourism, community engagement, or sustainability initiatives. It signals you'll align with the conservancy's mission.

    4. Prepare for guest-experience scenario questions: Expect questions like 'How would you handle a demanding guest during a power outage?' or 'What would you do if a guest is unhappy with their safari guide?' Practice structured answers that show empathy, quick thinking, and a service-first mindset.

    5. Highlight your leadership style: The lodge team will look to you for direction, so be ready to describe how you build a one-team culture across departments. Give examples of how you've trained, motivated, or resolved conflicts among staff. Show you can be firm yet approachable.

    6. Know the health and safety drill: Remote wildlife environments have unique risks—from wildlife encounters to medical emergencies. Be ready to talk about your experience with risk assessments, emergency protocols, and safety training. It's a non-negotiable for this role.

    7. Show your hands-on flexibility: In a small lodge, you might need to help with luggage, fix a leak, or guide a walk. Share stories that show you're not above any task and can adapt quickly. This is a key trait for remote operations.

    8. Ask smart questions: When you get the chance, ask about the lodge's current challenges, team size, and how they measure success. It shows you're thinking about the role beyond the job description and are genuinely interested in making an impact.

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    Tags

    lodge management
    safari
    hospitality
    leadership
    financial management