New African Territories - Operations Manager
Location: Amboseli Region and Maasai Mara Reserve, Kenya
Reports to Owner
Position Type: Full-Time
Travel Required: Regular travel between Amboseli and Mara properties
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, highly organized, and hands-on Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of a 15-room luxury lodge and a 12-tent tented safari camp in the Maasai Mara. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of safari camp/lodge operations, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to manage logistics across multiple remote properties.
You will be responsible for ensuring seamless guest experiences, efficient team coordination, operational excellence, and financial oversight — including creating and managing operational budgets.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management
Oversee daily operations across both the lodge and tented camp, ensuring consistency in service and guest experience.
Oversee the daily operations of the conservancies surrounding the properties
Implement and monitor operational standards, SOPs, and guest service protocols.
Coordinate between Amboseli and Mara teams to ensure operational alignment and resource optimization.
Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day issues across departments: housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance, guiding, and guest relations.
Work closely with the marketing and sales team to increase growth of business to both properties.
Staff Management
Lead, train, and motivate a diverse team of staff at both properties.
Develop staff schedules and ensure sufficient coverage during peak periods.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and promote a positive working environment.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Prepare, manage, and monitor monthly and annual operational budgets for both properties.
Control expenditures and ensure cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
Track and report on revenue, expenses, occupancy, and profitability.
Assist with procurement planning and vendor management.
Guest Services & Experience
Uphold and elevate the guest experience through personalized service and attention to detail.
Handle VIP requests, complaints, and special arrangements with professionalism.
Ensure proper reservation handling and communication between marketing/sales and on-site operations.
Logistics & Supplies
Manage logistics and supply chain challenges between Nairobi, Kimana ,Narok Amboseli, and the Mara.
Ensure timely delivery and quality control of supplies, fuel, maintenance equipment, and perishable goods.
Oversee maintenance schedules for vehicles, tents, infrastructure, and lodge facilities.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure all health, safety, and environmental regulations are adhered to.
Licencing, inspections
Monitor staff hygiene, food safety, regular training
Eco Certification, water conservation monitoring conservation activities,
Community Engagement
Ensure transparency and impact tracking of all community investments.
Coordinate or support community-based tourism initiatives, school support, women’s groups, conservation programs.
Cultivate respectful and meaningful partnerships with local communities and suppliers.
Preferred attributes
Proven leadership and people management in diverse, multicultural teams
Strong budget management skills.
Passionate about conservation, local cultures, and regenerative travel.
Flexible, solutions-oriented, and deeply hands-on.
Excellent communicator in both English and Kiswahili.Preferred
Passion for wildlife and conservation.
Comfortable living and working in remote areas.
Culturally sensitive and community-oriented.
Experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in lodge/camp management or hospitality operations, preferably in remote or safari settings.
Proven experience managing teams in multiple locations.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget creation, cost control, and reporting.
Strong problem-solving, crisis management, and multitasking abilities.
Knowledge of Kenyan labour laws and safari tourism regulations is a must
Valid driving license.
Compensation:
Competitive salary based on experience
Annual leave and travel expenses when on duty
Contact: [email protected]