Cluster Gm/Couple - Wildlife Sanctuary Collection

An exceptional opportunity has become available for an experienced and driven General Manager or Management Couple to lead a prestigious portfolio of award-winning wildlife sanctuaries celebrated globally for their ethical approach to animal welfare, conservation education, and sustainable eco-tourism. With oversight across multiple flagship properties set within Southern Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes, the successful appointee will champion innovation, sustainability, and organisational excellence within a respected international conservation group. The individual or couple will oversee all aspects of operations, finance, maintenance/infrastructure, marketing, and people leadership, ensuring continued excellence in both guest experience and animal welfare. For couples, the role can be shared and balanced equally; however, at least one partner should bring fair marketing and strong administrative experience to support the organisation’s broader strategic goals. This is a career-defining position, working closely with established sanctuary teams and reporting directly to the Chairman. It calls for an individual or couple who can combine strategic oversight with practical, on-the-ground leadership, inspire a diverse workforce, and uphold the organisation’s standing as a global benchmark for responsible tourism. Key strengths sought include 8 - 10 years of senior management experience in conservation, eco-tourism, or luxury hospitality; proven leadership across multi-site operations; sound financial, maintenance/infrastructure oversight; and a genuine passion for conservation and sustainability. This is more than a professional appointment - it is a long-term partnership built on shared values and purpose. The organisation seeks an enduring commitment, ideally 15 years, from an individual or couple who will become part of its legacy. In return, you will be fairly remunerated, genuinely valued, and supported to build or continue a purposeful and rewarding career. The role is anchored at one of the organisation’s leading sanctuary locations, with occasional travel to another other key site within its portfolio. Specific details of the position will be shared with shortlisted applicants prior to any interviews with the organisation. / Clear criminal record; Excellent English communication, computer & literacy skills – written & verbal; Excellent employment track record – references will be checked; Valid driver’s licence – mandatory; Minimum of 8 - 10 years in senior management within conservation, eco-tourism, or hospitality sectors; Proven success managing multi-site operations and diverse teams; Strong knowledge of maintenance systems, infrastructure, and operational logistics; Sound financial and business management expertise; Experience engaging with tourism operators, donor bodies, and conservation networks; Strong administrative experience - mandatory; Fair to strong marketing experience - advantage Strategic leadership and decisive management abilities; Exceptional financial, operational, and project management capability; Ability to delegate effectively across multiple functional teams; Strong communication, diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement skills; Composure under pressure and commitment to ethical decision-making. Integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering ethical compass; Hands-on leadership style balancing strategic vision with operational presence; Pragmatic problem-solver, creative and resilient in the face of challenges; Genuine passion for conservation, sustainability, and community engagement. Strategic & Operational Leadership: Lead all sanctuary operations, ensuring efficiency, visitor satisfaction, and long-term sustainability; Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control and P&L stewardship with full financial transparency; Maintenance & Infrastructure Oversight: Manage maintenance and capital projects across sanctuaries. The GM must deeply understand maintenance requirements, discerning between work done in-house and that requiring external contractors. Ensure all habitats and facilities meet world-class standards; People & HR Management: Lead a workforce of over 70 employees, fostering accountability, performance, and growth while maintaining sound labour relations; Ethical & Conservation Integrity: Uphold the Group’s ethos and compliance with NEMBA, CITES, and all animal welfare regulations; Tourism & Visitor Experience: Maintain superior guest experiences through operational excellence and effective marketing collaboration; Partnerships & Fundraising: Cultivate donor, sponsor, and community relationships to strengthen conservation impact; Risk & Compliance: Maintain safety, environmental, and governance standards across all operations; Project Management: Deliver infrastructure and development projects on time, within budget, and to high standards; Cost Optimisation: Drive efficiency in energy, procurement, and staffing while safeguarding welfare and visitor quality; External Representation: Serve as the public face of the group to media, industry, and government stakeholders. & Strategic Marketing Leadership: Oversee and refine the Group’s marketing strategy to drive visitor growth, donor engagement, and brand visibility; Digital & Web Management: Supervise the performance and content of the Group websites, ensuring brand consistency, SEO strength, and up-to-date design; Social Media & Content: Direct storytelling and campaigns across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging media to highlight animal welfare and sanctuary impact; Partnerships & Collaborations: Build relationships with tourism operators, influencers, and conservation NGO’s to expand brand reach; Corporate Identity & Brand Assets: Safeguard the consistent use of the Group’s visual identity, tone, and core messages across all sanctuaries and merchandise; Visitor Experience Metrics: Implement tools such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), guest surveys, and review management to monitor satisfaction and loyalty; Events & Public Relations: Oversee brand-aligned events, functions and community engagement initiatives; Crisis Communication: Prepare and execute rapid, professional responses to media or public issues to protect the brand’s reputation; Data & Analytics: Use insights from web traffic, social engagement, and visitor data to inform strategy and measure marketing effectiveness / Salary: Competitive / negotiable remuneration, DOE; Medical Aid: 50% company contribution; Potential for shareholding consideration after a successful 3 - 6 month period, based on performance; Accommodation: provided; Company vehicle: provided; Mobile phone: provided; Laptop: provided; Any other required tools and resources provided; You will be genuinely valued and supported to build or continue a purposeful and rewarding career; Your opportunity to become part of a legacy Willing and able to travel for a personal interview in Johannesburg; Must be willing to complete a mandatory character and personality assessment prior to appointment; Must be willing to undergo a polygraph examination prior to final appointment, if requested; Working hours / cycle to be discussed at interview level / determined prior to appointment TO APPLY Please submit your CV through this platform. VERY NB REGARDING YOUR CV PLEASE - It must be in an editable Word or PDF format only (no scanned copies); Must be fully updated as of this month, 2025 Include a RECENT head & shoulders photo; Clearly list all employment dates for each employer (month & year to month & year); Provide contactable references for all positions held in the last 10 years. In ADDITION , please keep the following supporting documents ready to send promptly, IF REQUESTED , after receipt of your CV: 1. Written reference letters (if available), 2. Relevant qualification copies; 3. Driver’s Licence and/or PrDP; 4. ID/Passport; 5. Valid work permit/visa (if applicable). Safari JOBS thanks you in advance for applying for this vacancy. Should you not hear from us within 7 working days please kindly consider your application unsuccessful for this particular position. We encourage you to keep an eye on this platform & our other social media pages for future opportunities that may align with your skills and interests.

Location: Gauteng HQ. Work Location TBA, Gauteng, ZA

Posted Date: 11/6/2025