Sales & Marketing Manager Relais & Châteaux

Set within a Big 5 private reserve in the Greater Kruger in South Africa, Jabulani's six suites and two exclusive villas ensure a soulful, personalised safari. Built 20 years ago to look after a herd of rescued elephants, the Relais & Châteaux lodge is a marriage of conservation and hospitality.

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 lodge's 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.

• Bachelor's 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.

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 lodge's 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.

« Rejoindre Relais & Châteaux, c'est profiter d'une opportunité unique d'élargir vos horizons tout en nourrissant votre talent.
Que vous souhaitiez construire une véritable carrière à nos côtés ou recherchiez un poste saisonnier, vous découvrirez des maisons de caractère, toutes unies par la défense de nos valeurs d'hospitalité, d'ancrage local et de partage.
Partez à la rencontre de nos équipes passionnées par le beau et le bon, qui font vibrer le cœur de chaque Relais & Châteaux. Embarquez à nos côtés pour un délicieux voyage et devenez vous aussi, acteur d'un monde plus humain ! . »

Philippe Gombert
Président, Relais & Châteaux