As Safari Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of safari operations in North and South Tanzania, ensuring seamless experiences for clients while maintaining high standards of service and safety.

Operational Management:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute safari itineraries and transfers according to bookings and ensure timely park fee and payment arrangements.
• Make use of a system or pre-formatted Excel file for planning and allocating safaris and transfers.
• Book and allocate all our vehicles and 3rd party vehicles and (freelance) guides to the safaris and transfers.
• Prepare lunch boxes summary and make sure the lunchboxes, snacks and sustainable water bottles are readily supplied.
• Ensure compliance with all local regulations and permits required for safari operations.
• Ensure our vehicles and 3rd party vehicles operating compliance of vehicles and guides with styles & standards and branding.
• Monitor and manage Safari operations staff, including guides, drivers, concierges, and support personnel.
• Manage daily communications with sales teams, direct clients, and within the department.
• Manage daily safari operations duties with help of Senior safari operations assistant.
• Keep risk mitigation plans up to date and manage in-safari operations.

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Develop & manage budgets for safari operations, ensuring profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to optimize costs and quality of services.
• Ensure payments for last-minute hotel bookings and cash requests.
• Reconcile monthly internal billings to CT office, Safari ops revenue, supplier invoices (like lunchboxes and Rental invoices), petty cash, park fees and safari imprest.
• Invoice direct bookings and ensure payments are received prior to services.
• Communicate and align with CT office on any changes in the rates
• Negotiate rates with third-party providers and Freelance guides and ensure proper contracts
• Prepare monthly report on Safari Operations on the number of safaris and transfers, finances, possible issues, driver management and violations.

Fleet Management:

• Use the Fleet Management System to schedule (preventative) maintenance and make sure 3rd party vehicles and ours are on time inspected and in a good condition.
• Use the Fleet Management System and Bluetrax system to manage the fuel consumption, Driver Management, and manage possible violations.

Client and stakeholder Relations:

• Meet guests and stakeholders when the situation requires.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Be part of the Safari Operations Emergency Team and provide support when needed.
• Address client inquiries, concerns, and special requests promptly and professionally.
• Collect feedback from clients and use it to improve safari experiences and services.
• Report errors immediately and provide proactive support during peak times.

Safety, Emergency and Incident Management:

• Implement and enforce safety protocols and procedures for safaris and transfers.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure adherence to safety standards by drivers and guides.
• Manage and resolve transfer and safari operation emergencies also after-hours.
• Log incidents, deal with them in an appropriate way and meet guests as needed.
• Handle complaints and feedback between sales office and safari guides.
• Make sure the Park doctors medical group is used when needed.

Staff Training and Development:

• Recruit, train, and supervise the Safari operations Team, safari guides and drivers
• Foster a positive and professional work environment that encourages teamwork and personal growth.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback and coaching to staff members.

Miscellaneous:

• Handle any other duties or project work as requested by management.

• Passionate about East Africa and particularly Tourism in East Africa.
• 10+ years of experience in the East African safari industry.
• 10+ years of experience working in a DMC environment and running a highly pressurized safari operations operation.
• An excellent understanding of the intricate details of running a very busy operations team.
• A guest service mindset that goes above and beyond the normal.
• Very good inter-personal and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to lead and grow a team with required management experience.
• You must be able to work well under pressure and be willing to jump in and help on the ground where need be.
• System savvy
• Quick thinker and you must be solutions orientated.
• Cost conscious and always looking for ways to cut costs without impacting the guest experience.
• Forward thinker, adaptable, and interested in improving both self, the team, and the company in general.
• Contributing to making a real positive impact on the communities and wildlife in East Africa.
• Team player.
• Fluent in written and spoken English