Exciting Opportunity for a Management Couple
Position:
Management Couple
Location:
Limpopo
Role Overview
To work closely with the board in executing the company 25/26 strategy and ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Game Reserve, such that it sustains its reputation as the premier private nature reserve in South Africa. Success will be measured by the delivery of plans versus budget, by maintaining the high standard of conservation management of the Olifants environment, by the productivity and motivation of the management/staff team, the controls by management to operate within their budgets, maintain an efficient process of the financial administration requirements and most importantly, by the satisfaction of members based upon their visit experiences and interactions with company personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and motivate a productive management team and workforce through good leadership and management practices in line with company and labour policies.
Sustained focus on conservation management for both fauna and flora including active alien plant removal, and culling, rescuing, relocating or euthanizing animals when necessary.
Ensure well-maintained facilities & infrastructure (roads, water, electricity, clubhouse, workshop, office, parking areas, airstrip, picnic sites, hides, staff facilities, machinery, and vehicles), supervision of new infrastructure projects, and proactive environmental housekeeping across the reserve.
Service and maintain member's houses at the required standard, including implementing 3-monthly fire break skoffels (as required by insurance).
Carefully monitor building/renovation projects to ensure compliance/standards.
Foster a strong member interface, regular member communications (Bi-monthly newsletters), a strong hospitality/service orientation, and implementation/policing of company policies and regulations.
Develop a clear strategy and plan to support the upliftment of neighbouring communities via the company Outreach Trust and other means.
Provide efficient and effective administration services in respect of employees, members, suppliers, and other parties, including the sale of units/shares, collection of entrance levies, cancellation and issue of share certificates, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our finances and accounting system.
Ensure awareness of and compliance with external laws/regulations governing our operations, including compliance with reserve/APNR/GLTFCA requirements, and appropriate engagement on regional affairs.
Foster a strong and cooperative relationship with the Game Reserve.
Monitor shop sales and perform monthly stock takes.
Ensure the staff living quarters are maintained to the required standards.
Develop strategic relationships within the Nature Reserve Association, governmental, municipal and wildlife organizations, and with neighbours and key communities.
Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of our security operations.
Align with the BNRA protocols including African Parks rhino holding facilities; to gain knowledge of the reserve protocols to comply with the Open System requirements.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the company assets and enhance member service assets.
Deliver projects per plan on spec, on time and on budget, including Project Forest (preserving trophy trees); Project Rhino (dehorning rhino population); workshop area rehabilitation; new cottage build; staff village fence and ensuring the staff living quarters are maintained to the required standards.
Qualifications
Some tertiary education preferred but not essential.
Conservation-related certification/diploma/degree.
Hospitality certification/diploma/degree.
Advanced Weapons Handling/Professional Hunter.
Business Management certification/diploma/degree.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years' experience in conservation management (flora, fauna, landscape).
Team management and leadership roles.
Administration, Lodge management.
Preparation and Budget management.
Financial/accounting controls.
Supervision of maintenance/building function/projects.
Security/AP exposure.
Roads maintenance.
Labour relations, union negotiations & applicable labour law.
Protected Areas/GLTFCA regulatory framework.
Companies Act and Share Block regulations.
Basic First Aid.
Social Media interaction and website management.
Competencies
Broad bushveld knowledge.
Motivates and drives team performance.
A strong service orientation.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Financial and accounting literacy.
Budgeting and budget control.
Negotiating skills.
Computer literacy and social media management.
Numeracy skills.
Reporting/report writing.
Personal Attributes
Presence.
Personable with excellent social skills.
A strong service orientation.
Diligent with a can-do attitude.
Hands-on, practical.
Self-motivation to meet deadlines.
Unflappable, firm, non-confrontational, cool head in a crisis.
Integrity, discretion, confidentiality.
Collaborative, a team player.
Shows initiative, a problem solver, decisive.
Attention to detail.
Outputs
Annual Operating Budget.
Annual Reserve Operating Plan.
IT infrastructure management.
Annual Capex Budget (including vehicle planning).
Annual Conservation Management Plan (aligned to company plan) including collaborating with other reserve wardens and advisors to develop and execute an ecological and elephant plan for the reserve.
Annual Financial Statements.
Monthly Management Report.
Quarterly Member Newsletter.
Resolving staff issues and wage negotiations.
Directorship of, and secondment (as required) to, Artemis (APU vehicle).
Other Considerations
It is assumed that a husband and wife/partner team will be recruited given this is the norm for reserve management roles. In this event, the wife/partner will preferably have accounting and administration experience and certification.
Package and Starting Date
Package will be commensurate with the seniority of the role and includes housing and a suitable company vehicle. The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible.
Join our dedicated team and make a significant impact on one of South Africa's premier private nature reserves.