Job Description

Zeal HR Vacancies – Estate Manager

Job Type: Permanant
Company: Zeal HR
Job Location: Simondium

Estate Manager – Simondium

Zeal HR is currently representing an exclusive countryside estate and retreat located in the picturesque Cape Winelands. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on, and highly organized Estate Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations and end-to-end guest experience of this unique property. This role goes beyond traditional property management; you will act as both a host and an operator, ensuring every guest interaction and operational detail reflects the high standards of the estate.

Guest Experience and Bookings

• Manage all enquiries via email, WhatsApp, the website, and social media.
• Convert enquiries into confirmed bookings while guiding guests through available options, pricing, and curated experiences.
• Manage the full guest journey from initial planning and pre-arrival to check-out and post-stay follow-up.
• Personally welcome guests and remain accessible to provide support throughout their stay.
• Coordinate rooming requirements, catering, activities, workshops, and bespoke guest requests.
• Gather guest feedback and foster relationships to encourage repeat visits and referrals.

Operations and Administration

• Oversee the daily running of the estate to ensure a seamless experience.
• Manage booking systems, calendars, guest records, invoicing, and payment tracking.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date guest and operational documentation.
• Coordinate the ordering of household and guest supplies while managing stock levels.
• Ensure the property is pristine, functional, and guest-ready at all times.
• Identify maintenance requirements and manage external service providers.

Team Leadership

• Lead and support an on-site team of approximately six house and garden staff.
• Coordinate daily responsibilities based on operational and guest needs.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful working environment.
• Encourage a culture of accountability, ownership, and pride within the team.

Hospitality, Events, and Experiences

• Coordinate catering, workshops, events, and various guest activities.
• Liaise with external suppliers and assist with on-site event setups when necessary.
• Ensure the delivered experience consistently aligns with the promises made during the booking process.

Brand and Commercial Support

• Maintain the overall look, feel, and brand standards of the estate across all guest touchpoints.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest offering and improve revenue opportunities.
• Assist with content creation for the website and social media to represent the estate authentically.
• Apply commercial awareness to maximize occupancy and guest retention.

Owner Communication

• Provide regular, transparent updates to owners regarding bookings, occupancy, feedback, and maintenance.
• Identify potential operational challenges early and provide proactive, practical solutions.

Requirements

• Proven experience in hospitality, boutique accommodation, lodge management, or a similar guest-experience-focused environment.
• Previous experience managing the day-to-day operations of a property is highly advantageous.
• Strong background in customer service and professional guest relations.
• Experience in leading and coordinating small teams.
• Proficiency in administrative and financial tasks, including invoicing and payment tracking.
• Confidence in using booking systems and digital operational platforms.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to convert leads into bookings.
• The flexibility to work around guest schedules, including outside of traditional office hours.

Skills

• A natural host with a genuine passion for people and service.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills—warm, professional, and confident.
• Strong leadership abilities and a focus on building relationships.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, capable of working well under pressure.
• Commercially minded with a natural sales instinct.
• Tech-savvy with a systems-oriented approach to management.
• Ability to balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on operational duties.
• Professional demeanor with high emotional intelligence.

Desired Skills

• Hospitality
• Accommodation
• Lodge Management
• Events
• Customer Service
• Operations
• Enquiries
• Bookings
• Attention to Detail
• Communication

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