General Manager

About the Property and Brand

Anantara is an international luxury hotel and resort brand inspired by Thai heritage and centered on genuine hospitality. Its name comes from Sanskrit and conveys the idea of boundless experience, movement, and harmony. Since its founding in Thailand in 2001, the brand has expanded across the globe to destinations ranging from secluded beaches and private islands to historic landmarks and bustling cities. The brand is built for people who value warmth, generosity, and memorable service experiences.

The opportunity is based at Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe. Set inside a private game reserve close to Victoria Falls, the property delivers an intimate safari-style luxury stay that combines high service standards, conservation values, and authentic African hospitality.

Role Overview

The hotel is looking for a seasoned, commercially minded, and motivating General Manager to guide the property into its next phase. The ideal leader will understand the complexities of lodge operations, be highly present with guests and colleagues, and focus on creating standout experiences while also delivering strong business results.

Reporting to regional leadership, the General Manager will hold complete accountability for the strategic, financial, and day-to-day operational direction of the hotel and the private reserve hospitality operation. In partnership with the ownership group and regional office, the role must ensure consistently outstanding luxury service, top-level operational standards, sustainability, conservation focus, and solid financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all hotel and lodge functions with clear, motivating direction.
• Shape guest experiences that reflect the brand promise and consistently surpass expectations.
• Oversee daily operations across accommodation, food and beverage, front office, housekeeping, maintenance, security, guest activities, and reserve-related services so everything works together smoothly.
• Maintain exceptional standards in presentation, service quality, safety, and overall guest satisfaction throughout the property.
• Improve commercial performance through revenue management, sales activity, cost discipline, and careful asset stewardship.
• Develop annual business plans, budgets, and strategic priorities, then deliver against agreed financial targets.
• Coach and grow a strong leadership team while encouraging ownership, teamwork, and ongoing improvement.
• Partner with sales and marketing teams to strengthen market presence and boost occupancy, average daily rate, and profitability.
• Build productive relationships with owners, travel partners, tour operators, destination management companies, communities, conservation stakeholders, and government bodies.
• Support sustainability, responsible tourism, and conservation efforts that enhance the guest experience and protect the reserve for the long term.
• Ensure the property complies with all legal, health, safety, environmental, and brand requirements.
• Represent the property and brand confidently within the local community and the international luxury travel market.

Candidate Profile

The right candidate will be a visible, hands-on, and engaging leader with a strong passion for luxury hospitality, wildlife tourism, and team development. This position suits someone who can combine strategic judgment with practical operational leadership.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Management, or a closely related field.
• At least 8–10 years of senior leadership experience in luxury hotels, safari lodges, or boutique resorts.
• Prior service in a General Manager, Hotel Manager, or Lodge Manager position.
• Proven ability to manage boutique luxury properties with a strong focus on personalised guest service.
• Experience in private game reserve or safari lodge settings, including an understanding of lodge operations and guest activity coordination.
• Strong commercial and financial judgement, with a track record of meeting revenue, profitability, and operational targets.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people-development capability.
• Strong guest-facing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Prior experience with an international luxury hospitality brand is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of revenue management, luxury sales, and distribution channels.
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with a practical, hands-on management style.
• Genuine interest in conservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement.

What the Role Offers

• An opportunity to lead one of Southern Africa’s most exclusive boutique luxury safari properties.
• A supportive and dynamic international hospitality environment within the Minor Hotels portfolio.
• A competitive pay package.
• Professional development support and international career progression opportunities.
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to a globally respected luxury brand while supporting conservation and community initiatives in one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Additional Information

The employer encourages candidates who are not the right match to stay connected through job alerts for future opportunities.