GENERAL MANAGER wanted at Limpopo-Lipadi Private Game and Wilderness Reserve

The Limpopo-Lipadi Private Game and Wilderness Reserve (www.limpopo-lipadi.org) is looking to appoint a General Manager to lead the development of a 20,500 hectare private game and wilderness Reserve stretching along 12 kilometers of the Limpopo River and situated in the Tuli Block Region in South East Botswana. The Reserve is about a 5 hour drive from either Johannesburg or Gaborone. The Reserve is fenced and has a developed infrastructure, comprising of private shareholder lodges, luxury camps located on the Limpopo River, staff accommodation and an extensive internal road network. The Reserve is home to a wide variety of game including rhino, elephant, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wild dogs, most antelope species and riverine animals. This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for the candidate who enjoys the bush and will thrive in the challenge of leading the development of this magnificent Reserve. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager will be expected to provide management and leadership skills in order to meet the key objectives of the Reserve being recognized as a leader in game and ecological management and in promoting a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. This role is directly responsible for overseeing all lodges, shareholder and tourist hospitality, game reserve operations, assisting in the development and management of capital and operating budgets, and contributing to the building of a culture of excellence.

Key Job Elements

• Assist in developing long-term and annual management plans that support the strategic direction set by the Board;
• Provide leadership to a staff of 70 employees to ensure the successful and efficient execution of management plans;
• Participate in Committees established by the Board, to manager aspects of the Reserves operations;
• Oversees lodge management and game reserve operations;
• Oversee the accounting function and the preparation of monthly management accounts;
• Develop and effectively manage capital and operating budgets;
• Build a culture of teamwork and customer service excellence;
• Succession planning and training for all key functions;
• Participate in the development of marketing and sales strategies and plans;
• Liaise with external stakeholders including local landowners and communities, shareholders,government agencies, NGO’s and academic institutions; and
• Regular communication with shareholders to ensure that they are informed of developments and activities taking place on the Reserve.

Required Qualifications

• Strong financial acumen;
• Previous experience and a proven track record as a General Manager with full P&L responsibility;
• Minimum of 5 year’s-experience working at General Manager or senior management level within the tourism, wilderness or hospitality sectors;
• A proven track record working with and leading diverse stakeholder groups and reaching target outcomes;
• Ability to build, lead and motivate a strong management team;
• Have experience with, and a strong passion for wildlife and conservation.

Limpopo-Lipadi offers a competitive compensation package including housing on the Reserve.