Conferenece & Lodge – General Manager

Job description

Job Summary

The Lodge and Conference Manager is responsible for the overall management of the lodge and conference facilities, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, efficient operations, and profitable business performance. The role involves overseeing accommodation services, conference and event operations, food and beverage services, staff management, budgeting, sales, and facility maintenance while maintaining high standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the lodge and conference facilities.
• Ensure all departments, including front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, and conference services, operate efficiently.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Monitor service quality to ensure an excellent guest experience.

Conference and Events Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee conferences, meetings, workshops, weddings, and other events.
• Liaise with clients to understand event requirements and ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate venue setup, catering, audiovisual equipment, accommodation, and logistics.
• Ensure conference facilities are well maintained and equipped.
• Monitor event delivery and address any issues promptly.

Guest Services

• Ensure high standards of customer care and hospitality.
• Welcome key clients and VIP guests where appropriate.
• Resolve guest and client complaints professionally and promptly.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement service improvements.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate lodge and conference staff.
• Prepare staff duty rosters and allocate responsibilities.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and continuous staff development.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and performance standards.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage operational budgets.
• Monitor revenue, expenditure, and profitability.
• Control operational costs while maintaining service quality.
• Approve purchases and manage inventory.
• Prepare financial, occupancy, and conference performance reports.

Sales and Business Development

• Develop strategies to increase lodge occupancy and conference bookings.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, government institutions, travel agents, NGOs, and event organizers.
• Promote accommodation, conference packages, and special offers.
• Participate in marketing initiatives and business development activities.

Property and Facility Management

• Ensure the lodge buildings, conference rooms, equipment, and grounds are properly maintained.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Ensure conference equipment and facilities remain fully operational.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and labour regulations.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards.
• Implement emergency preparedness and security procedures.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with operational standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ management experience in a lodge, hotel, conference centre, or hospitality establishment.
• Experience managing conferences, meetings, and corporate events is an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.
• Event planning and conference coordination expertise.
• Financial management and budgeting skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in hotel property management systems (PMS), conference booking systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays based on operational needs.
• Regular interaction with guests, conference clients, suppliers, and staff.
• Occasional travel for business development or industry events may be required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Guest satisfaction and customer feedback scores.
• Conference booking and event completion rates.
• Lodge occupancy levels.
• Revenue growth from accommodation, conferencing, and food and beverage services.
• Budget compliance and cost control.
• Staff performance and retention.
• Health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Quality and timeliness of event delivery.