Estate Manager

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.