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6 days ago
Make a difference to conservation and community empowerment through high-end, impactful tourism.
Proudly established in Botswana four decades ago, Wilderness is dedicated to increasing the world’s wilderness, together.
Job Summary
- Employer: WILDERNESS
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Set and execute the company’s strategic vision, aligned to market opportunities in Botswana and the wider region
- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency
- Lead and develop a high-performing executive and management team
- Strengthen governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks
- Represent the business with key stakeholders, partners, regulators, and clients
- Champion a values-led culture focused on performance, accountability, and employee engagement
- Develop and implement medium- and long-term business strategy
- Oversee all commercial, operational, and financial activities
- Ensure strong financial controls, reporting, and forecasting
- Identify and capitalise on new market and growth opportunities
- Build trusted relationships with the Board and external stakeholders
- Drive organisational capability, succession planning, and leadership development
Requirements
- Demonstrated success in leading profitable businesses
- Strong strategic, commercial, and financial acumen
- Experience operating in African or emerging markets (highly advantageous)
- Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- A reputation for integrity, resilience, and results delivery
- 10+ years at a senior level
- Relevant industry experience will be advantageous, but leadership capability, cultural alignment, and commercial judgement are paramount.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: wilderness.simplify.hr
About the Company
Wilderness or wildlands are Earth's natural environments that have not been significantly modified by human activity, or any nonurbanized land not under extensive agricultural cultivation. The term has traditionally referred to terrestrial environments, though growing attention is being placed on marine wilderness. Recent maps of wilderness suggest it covers roughly one-quarter of Earth's terrestrial surface, but is being rapidly degraded by human activity. Even less wilderness remains in the ocean, with only 13.2% free from intense human activity.
Website: https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/africa/botswana
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Managing Director role at Wilderness in Botswana?
Most employers expect a Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior leadership experience in hospitality, tourism, or conservation. Wilderness specifically values deep knowledge of eco-tourism and safari operations. Prior board-level experience and proven P&L management are highly advantageous.
What does a typical day involve for a Managing Director in Botswana's eco-tourism sector?
Days blend strategic oversight with operational engagement—morning briefings with camp managers, stakeholder meetings with government and community partners, and financial reviews. Site visits to remote lodges are common, requiring comfort with bush travel. Evenings often involve representing the company at industry events or hosting VIP guests.
How does workplace culture in Botswana's tourism sector affect executive leadership expectations?
Botswana's business culture emphasizes relationship-building and patience; decisions often require consensus with local communities and government bodies. Executives are expected to demonstrate visible commitment to citizen economic empowerment and environmental stewardship. Hierarchical respect is important, but participatory leadership is increasingly valued.
What career progression paths exist after serving as Managing Director in Botswana?
Successful MDs often advance to regional CEO roles covering Southern Africa, or move into group executive positions with international hospitality brands. Some transition to advisory roles with conservation NGOs or tourism investment boards. Entrepreneurship—founding boutique lodges or consultancy firms—is also a well-trodden path.
What benefits are typically included in executive compensation packages in Botswana?
Packages usually include comprehensive medical aid covering private healthcare in Gaborone and South Africa, a company vehicle or vehicle allowance, and pension contributions through local providers like Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes. Housing allowances and annual leave of 25-30 days are standard. School fee support for expatriate executives is sometimes negotiable.
How should candidates apply for Managing Director positions in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize?
Applications typically proceed through executive search firms or direct submission to group HR directors; networking through the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana is invaluable. Employers prioritize demonstrated conservation credentials, authentic community engagement experience, and regulatory fluency with Botswana's tourism licensing frameworks. A track record of developing local talent pipelines carries significant weight.
