Sales & Marketing Manager

Location: Pretoria South Africa (office-based with local and international travel)

Job Purpose
Drive revenue growth strengthen brand visibility and deepen trade relationships through strategic sales and marketing initiatives that support the lodges luxury safari offering. This role connects marketing reservations and media to ensure alignment across teams. The ideal candidate uses digital tools and AI-driven solutions to optimise marketing performance maintain data accuracy and identify new opportunities within the evolving digital landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Marketing

Develop and implement annual marketing and sales plans aligned with lodge goals.
Manage digital marketing channels including social media SEO email campaigns and website content.
Oversee creation and distribution of marketing collateral such as brochures factsheets presentations and branded gifts.
Coordinate and present virtual shows webinars and workshops (R&C AMEX Serandipians SATSA).
Collaborate with the media team on mailers campaigns and website updates.
Maintain and update trade partner websites and WETU portal content.

Sales & Trade Relations

Build and nurture relationships with tour operators DMCs and agents.
Provide appointment suggestions and follow-ups for trade trips.
Conduct product training and virtual meetings with trade partners.
Manage and clean the CRM database (Brevo) to ensure accurate trade and guest information.
Distribute updated presentations and marketing packages to trade contacts.
Coordinate tactical offers and OTA campaigns ( Expedia AMEX Pay Stay etc.).
Liaise with international sales representatives (African Synergy A2B Mexico South America).
Administer correspondence with tour operators and agents worldwide.
Identify and pursue new digital marketing opportunities using AI and analytics tools.

Memberships & Partnerships

Manage communications and renewals with Relais & Châteaux American Express Virtuoso Serandipians Internova SATSA Atta and APTA.
Ensure lodge participation in relevant campaigns and special offers.
Collaborate with the media team on Pack for a Purpose initiatives and awards submissions.
Stay updated on industry trends and trade developments.

Reporting & Analytics

Compile and analyse occupancy nationality length of stay extras complimentary stays and trade data.
Track campaign performance (FLUX OTA platforms social media) and monitor ROI from trade partner websites and marketing activities.
Pull country statistics from ResRequest and liaise with the Reservations Manager.
Deliver accurate and timely reporting offering proactive insights to support business growth.

Yield & Budget Management

Contribute to annual rate reviews and competitor comparisons.
Assist in rate proposals cancellation policies and terms and conditions.
Approve invoices and manage the marketing budget using historical data.
Oversee yield management and financial targets.
Drive revenue management and achieve sales targets through strategic marketing initiatives.
Create and convert marketing initiatives into sales with a focus on agent performance growth opportunities and new markets.

Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in Marketing Business Hospitality or related field.
Minimum of 5 years experience in hospitality sales and marketing preferably in luxury lodges or eco-tourism.
Proficiency in CRM systems digital marketing tools and analytics platforms.
Ability to use AI-powered tools for database and marketing optimisation.
Strong understanding of South African tourism and global travel markets.
Experience with OTA platforms and channel managers (e.g. SiteMinder) and campaign strategy.

Additional Information :

Preferred Attributes

Passion for eco-tourism and sustainable travel.
Creative approach with strong storytelling and visual branding skills.
Multilingual (Afrikaans and English).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively including in remote settings.

Personal Traits & Leadership Qualities

Innovative and open to new technologies.
Adaptable and comfortable managing varied tasks.
Professional and polished upholding luxury brand standards.
Committed to wellness and personal presentation.
Relationship-driven and able to build strong trust with partners and internal teams.
Results-oriented linking ideas with financial outcomes.
Aligned with the lodges Soulful Safari ethos.

Key Competencies

Strong administrative and organisational skills.
Confident communicator across all levels.
Deadline-driven with consistent follow-through.
Adheres to company policies including dress code social media and technology use.
Punctual reliable and diligent.
Demonstrates initiative and works independently.
Ensures team alignment with company values and work ethic.

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel locally and internationally for sales calls and trade shows.
Professional attire required (suits collared shirts dress pants closed-toe shoes).
Commitment to ethical conduct respect and integrity.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time