Estate Manager

Our client is an exclusive countryside estate and retreat situated in the picturesque Cape Winelands. Offering a peaceful and thoughtfully curated environment, the property provides guests with a unique hospitality experience centred around beautiful surroundings, personalised service, relaxation, and meaningful experiences. They are seeking an experienced, hands-on and highly organised Estate Manager to take ownership of the end-to-end guest experience and day-to-day operations of the property. This is more than a traditional property management role - the successful candidate will act as both host and operator, ensuring every guest interaction, space, and operational detail reflects the estate's high standards. Responsibilities: Guest Experience & Bookings Manage enquiries across email, WhatsApp, website, and social media. Convert enquiries into confirmed bookings and guide guests on available options, pricing, and experiences. Manage the complete guest journey from pre-arrival planning through to check-out and post-stay follow-up. Personally welcome guests and remain available throughout their stay. Coordinate rooming requirements, catering, activities, workshops, and special requests. Gather guest feedback and build relationships that encourage repeat visits and referrals. Operations & Administration Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the estate. Manage booking systems, calendars, guest records, invoices, and payment tracking. Ensure all guest and operational documentation is accurate and up to date. Maintain appropriate stock levels and coordinate the ordering of household and guest supplies. Ensure the property is clean, functional, well maintained, and guest-ready at all times. Identify maintenance requirements and coordinate external service providers. Team Leadership Manage and support the on-site house and garden team of approximately six employees. Coordinate daily responsibilities according to guest and operational requirements. Maintain high standards while fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative working environment. Encourage accountability, ownership, and pride within the team. Hospitality, Events & Experiences Coordinate catering, workshops, events, activities, and other guest experiences. Liaise with external suppliers and service providers. Assist with on-site setups where required. Ensure the experience delivered consistently meets what was promised during the booking process. Brand, Marketing and Commercial Support Maintain the overall look, feel, and standard of the estate across all guest touchpoints. Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the guest offering and experience. Assist with website and social media content to ensure an authentic representation of the property. Apply commercial awareness to bookings, occupancy, guest retention, and revenue opportunities. Owner Communication Provide regular updates regarding bookings, occupancy, guest feedback, maintenance, and operational matters. Identify potential challenges early and recommend practical solutions. Maintain transparent and accountable communication with the owners. Requirements: Previous experience in hospitality, boutique accommodation, guesthouse/lodge management, events, guest experience, or a similar environment. Previous experience managing the day-to-day operations of a property or hospitality establishment will be highly advantageous. Strong experience in guest relations and customer service. Experience managing or coordinating a small team. Strong administrative and financial administration capabilities, including invoicing and payment tracking. Comfortable working with booking systems and digital platforms. Strong commercial awareness with the confidence to convert enquiries into bookings. Flexibility to work around guest stays, including outside traditional office hours when required. Skills: Natural host with a genuine passion for hospitality and people. Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail. Warm, professional, and confident communication style. Strong leadership and relationship-building abilities. Commercially minded with a natural sales instinct. Calm and solutions-focused under pressure. Proactive and comfortable taking full ownership. Tech-savvy and systems-oriented. Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational responsibilities. Presentable, emotionally intelligent, and professional. Desired Skills: Hospitality Accomodation Lodge Management Events Customer Service Operations Enquires Bookings Attention to detail Communication