Reservations Manager

SUMMARY:
A luxury Big Five game lodge in the Pilanesberg area is seeking an experienced Reservations Manager to join their Head Office team in Rivonia, Johannesburg.
The successful candidate will oversee the reservations function, manage a team of one other Reservationist, maximise occupancy and revenue, and ensure accurate booking administration and excellent guest service. Experience in reservations management is preferred.

POSITION INFO:
REQUIREMENTS: - Previous reservations management experience preferred, ideally within a hotel, lodge or hospitality environment - Experience with Eres, HTI and Apex systems, or willingness to learn - Knowledge of online travel agencies (OTAs), tour operators and the South African tourism market advantageous - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Afrikaans an advantage - Strong organisational skills and attention to detail - Excellent customer service and sales skills - Computer literate, including Microsoft Excel - Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure - Professional, proactive and well organised - Must be based in or able to commute to Rivonia, Johannesburg KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Manage daily reservations for individual, group and FIT bookings - Respond promptly and professionally to enquiries received via telephone, email, website, WhatsApp and other channels - Process bookings, amendments and cancellations accurately on Eres, HTI and Apex - Monitor room availability, inventory and allocations to prevent overbooking - Prepare booking confirmations, invoices and pre-arrival information - Record special requests and communicate these to the relevant on-site departments - Monitor occupancy, booking trends, revenue and source of business - Implement effective rate management and yield strategies to maximise occupancy and average daily rate - Maintain rate accuracy across distribution channels and booking platforms - Manage relationships with online travel agencies, travel agents and tour operators - Collaborate with management and marketing on promotions, packages and special offers - Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reservations and revenue reports - Maintain accurate guest, deposit and payment records - Assist with reservations budgeting and forecasting - Coordinate with on-site departments to ensure smooth arrivals and guest arrangements - Resolve reservation queries and escalations professionally - Supervise and support one other Reservationist PACKAGE: - Salary: R28,000 - R30,000 per month, negotiable based on experience - Full-time, office-based position - Career growth opportunities LOCATION: Rivonia - Johannesburg, Gauteng