Commercial Sales and Marketing Manager

Kendrick Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Commercial / Sales and Marketing Manager on behalf of a luxury 5-star lodge located in Limpopo. The successful candidate will be based in Cape Town working closely with the lodges operational and reservations teams.

This role is suited to a commercially driven hospitality professional with strong experience in revenue management travel trade sales and digital marketing within the luxury tourism or safari sector.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Management

• Develop and implement pricing and yield strategies to optimise occupancy ADR and RevPAR in line with seasonal trends and demand
  

• Monitor booking patterns competitor performance and market demand to proactively adjust strategies
  

• Manage distribution channels ensuring rate parity and maximising direct bookings
  

• Produce monthly performance and forecasting reports highlighting revenue opportunities
  

• Collaborate with reservations to refine booking procedures and enhance guest conversion through the use of AI
  

Travel & Trade Sales

• Build and maintain strong relationships with travel trade partners including tour operators travel agents DMCs and luxury safari specialists
  

• Represent the lodge at trade shows roadshows and online travel platforms
  

• Negotiate rates and packages with domestic and international operators
  

• Identify new market opportunities within niche segments such as honeymoon travel conservation tourism small groups and exclusive-use bookings
  

• Conduct market visits property tours and partner engagements to strengthen brand presence
  

Digital Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Design and execute targeted digital campaigns across Google Ads Meta Ads and email marketing
  

• Oversee the lodges online presence including website performance SEO and brand storytelling content
  

• Manage social media channels to authentically showcase wildlife experiences conservation initiatives and guest stories
  

• Track and analyse marketing performance ensuring strong ROI and engagement
  

• Collaborate with photographers content creators and PR partners to position the lodge as a leading safari destination
  

Qualifications

• 58 years experience in hospitality revenue management travel trade sales or digital marketing
  

• Experience within the luxury lodge or safari sector is highly advantageous
  

• Strong understanding of tourism distribution systems OTAs and travel trade partnerships
  

• Experience with Google Analytics Meta Ads Manager OTA Insight PMS CRS and sales reporting tools
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong brand storytelling ability
  

• Passion for nature-based tourism conservation and authentic guest experiences
  

Key Competencies

• Analytical strategic and commercial mindset with strong negotiation skills
  

• Data-driven approach with a clear understanding of performance metrics
  

• Creative thinking in marketing and content development
  

• Understanding of high-end hospitality and guest expectations in a safari setting
  

• Ability to balance revenue objectives with brand integrity and guest satisfaction
  

• Team-oriented adaptable and proactive within a remote lodge environment
  

• Strong multitasking and relationship management skills
  

Performance Indicators

• Growth in total room and package revenue including RevPAR and ADR
  

• Increase in direct bookings versus OTA contribution
  

• Expansion of trade partnerships and repeat business from key agents
  

• Improved digital engagement metrics and campaign ROI
  

• Consistent brand representation across all online and offline channels
  

Candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment for consideration.