Chief Operating Officer

Kendrick Recruitment is now seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a prestigious luxury safari camp based in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader with strong operational expertise to oversee and elevate daily operations across multiple remote properties ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence in one of Africa s most iconic wilderness areas.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Oversight

• Lead day-to-day operations across all lodges ensuring efficiency consistency and excellence in service delivery
  

• Oversee all departments including front-of-house back-of-house food & beverage housekeeping maintenance and logistics
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit mentor and develop high-performing motivated lodge teams
  

• Foster a professional inclusive workplace culture aligned with the company s values
  

• Champion skills development with a focus on local employment and empowerment
  

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Ensure every guest receives a world-class personalised safari experience
  

• Uphold and continually refine brand and service standards across all properties
  

Financial Oversight (in collaboration with CFO)

• Support the creation and management of operational budgets
  

• Optimise expenditures manage inventory and oversee resource allocation
  

• Contribute to profitability through service quality occupancy and operational efficiency
  

Asset Management

• Maintain all assets including infrastructure vehicles boats equipment and energy systems in excellent condition
  

• Develop proactive maintenance schedules and manage procurement of critical assets
  

Sustainability & Conservation

• Champion eco-friendly practices across operations
  

• Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and support conservation initiatives
  

Health Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to health safety and labour regulations with protocols adapted for remote operations
  

• Oversee risk management strategies and emergency preparedness
  

Strategic Execution

• Work with the Board to implement strategic initiatives and long-term growth plans
  

• Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement
  

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities conservation partners suppliers and authorities
  

• Represent the company professionally within industry networks and forums
  

Candidate Profile:

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior leadership experience in luxury lodge or hospitality operations preferably in remote or wilderness settings
  

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage multi-site operations
  

• Experience working in partnership with finance teams to achieve budgetary and operational targets
  

• Strong understanding of safari logistics eco-tourism and conservation principles
  

• Experience working within the Southern African hospitality context particularly in Botswana is a significant advantage
  

Personal Attributes

• Deep passion for conservation and responsible tourism
  

• Pragmatic hands-on leader with strategic vision
  

• Calm adaptable and resilient in challenging remote environments
  

• Strong interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
  

• Committed to excellence integrity and sustainability
  

If you believe you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role and are excited to contribute to a leading safari operation in the Okavango Delta please submit your CV to Kendrick Recruitment to apply.