Hospitality

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Managing Director to oversee the overall management and strategic direction of a private hunting and game farm in the Eastern Cape. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the property, including hunting operations, game management, conservation, farm operations, hospitality, staff management, financial administration and business development. This is a senior leadership position suited to an individual who is highly organised, hands-on and commercially minded, with a strong understanding of game farming, hunting operations and the South African hunting industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the hunting farm.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure the property is managed efficiently and professionally.
• Manage and coordinate all hunting activities, ensuring an exceptional experience for local and international hunting clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with professional hunters, hunting clients, outfitters and industry partners.
• Oversee game management, breeding, population management and sustainable utilisation practices.
• Monitor the health, condition and overall management of game on the property.
• Work closely with relevant professionals regarding veterinary, conservation and game-management requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable hunting, wildlife, environmental and firearm-related legislation and regulations.
• Oversee farm infrastructure, facilities, vehicles, equipment, roads, fencing and general maintenance.
• Manage farm staff, game rangers, hunting support staff and other employees.
• Recruit, train, supervise and manage staff performance.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and systems.
• Oversee accommodation, guest services, Food & Beverage and hospitality operations where applicable.
• Ensure high standards of service and professionalism are maintained for hunting guests.
• Manage budgets, expenditure, cash flow and overall financial performance.
• Monitor costs and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Oversee procurement, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Develop and implement annual operational and business plans.
• Identify opportunities to grow hunting revenue and other commercial activities on the property.
• Assist with marketing and promotion of the hunting operation to local and international markets.
• Maintain strong relationships with landowners, clients, suppliers, professional hunters and other stakeholders.
• Prepare regular operational and financial reports for the owners.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective measures.
• Ensure the farm remains well maintained, professionally managed and commercially sustainable.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Game Ranch Management, Wildlife Management, Agriculture, Business Management, Hospitality Management or a related field would be advantageous.
• Minimum 5–10 years' experience in senior management, preferably within a game farm, hunting operation, private reserve or related environment.
• Proven experience in hunting and game-farm operations.
• Strong understanding of South African game-farming and hunting practices.
• Knowledge of game management, conservation and sustainable wildlife utilisation.
• Experience managing staff and overseeing multiple operational functions.
• Strong financial and business management skills.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, procurement and administration.
• Strong understanding of guest and client relations, particularly within a hunting or luxury tourism environment.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to live and work on a remote property in the Eastern Cape.
• A strong understanding of relevant wildlife, hunting and environmental legislation is essential.
• Advantageous Experience
• Professional hunting experience or close involvement with professional hunters.
• PH qualification and relevant hunting credentials.
• Experience dealing with international hunting clients.
• Knowledge of trophy hunting and hunting logistics.
• Experience with game auctions, game sales or wildlife trading.
• Experience with game breeding and population management.
• Knowledge of firearms and hunting equipment.
• Experience managing luxury hunting lodges or guest accommodation.
• Agricultural or livestock farming experience.
• Existing industry relationships within the hunting and wildlife sector.
• Key Skills & Competencies
• Strategic & Operational Management
• Hunting Operations
• Game & Wildlife Management
• Conservation
• Farm Management
• Financial Management
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Staff Leadership
• Guest & Client Relations
• Business Development
• Sales & Marketing
• Procurement & Stock Control
• Administration & Planning
• Risk Management
• Problem-Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Strong Leadership & Decision-Making
• Ideal Candidate Profile
• The ideal candidate will be a hands-on and commercially minded leader with a genuine passion for hunting, wildlife and the outdoors.
• They must be comfortable working in a remote environment and taking responsibility for the entire operation of the property, from staff and infrastructure through to hunting clients, game management and financial performance.
• The successful candidate should have strong business acumen combined with practical knowledge of hunting and game-farm operations, and the ability to balance conservation and sustainable wildlife management with the commercial objectives of the property.