Assistant Reservations Manager

Full time Kendrick Recruitment South Africa

Posted On 2026/03/03

Reservations

R37,000 - R40,000

City Cape Town

State/Province Western Cape

7100

Assistant Reservations Manager Luxury Property Group Cape Town

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and proactive Assistant Reservations Manager to join a luxury property group in Cape Town. This role combines hands on travel design, team supervision, systems governance, and commercial accountability, ensuring operational efficiency, service excellence, and consistent brand delivery across all markets.

The successful candidate will support the strategic and operational leadership of the Reservations team and step into full managerial capacity when required.

• Research, design, and curate high end itineraries for B2B and B2C guests
• Support Travel Designers in crafting seamless, guest focused journeys across all properties
• Maintain expert knowledge of all destinations and third party products
• Review complex or high value bookings for operational feasibility and guest alignment
• Identify upsell and cross sell opportunities
• Approve discretionary discounts within authorised thresholds and ensure internal compliance
• Step into full managerial capacity in the absence of the Head of Reservations
• Collaborate closely with Operations and other teams to ensure seamless guest experiences
• Book domestic and international flights and third party services
• Manage peak period inventory strategically, considering logistics and operational constraints

• Monitor booking pace, occupancy levels, and peak period availability
• Support tactical offers and ensure correct application
• Monitor cancellation trends and implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure rate integrity and compliance with discount policies
• Participate in commercial reviews and provide operational insights
• Support the team in achieving departmental revenue targets
• Supervise, mentor, and motivate the Reservations team
• Conduct regular quality control audits on bookings, communications, and systems
• Provide structured coaching and feedback to Travel Designers
• Assist in onboarding new team members and supporting probation processes
• Implement and maintain training plans and calendars
• Manage team scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across markets
• Handle escalated guest or agent matters professionally and efficiently

• Ensure accurate use of reservation systems, CRM, and booking platforms
• Maintain CRM hygiene and accurate pipeline tracking
• Oversee rate loading accuracy across all systems and third party platforms
• Ensure data integrity and audit ready booking documentation
• Identify system inefficiencies and recommend process improvements
• Implement and maintain SOPs and operational standards
• Ensure consistent application of booking terms, cancellation policies, and lead scoring
• Support automation and process improvement initiatives

• Ensure timely follow up of deposits and outstanding payments
• Monitor upcoming payments and support team accountability
• Liaise with Finance regarding reconciliations and allocation queries
• Support margin awareness across bookings and responsible discount application
• Assist in preparing weekly and monthly reporting on team and booking performance

• Monitor current itineraries and handle any travel related issues
• Manage customer complaints efficiently and ensure timely resolution
• Follow up with guests during and after travel experiences

• Demonstrated experience in a comparable leadership role within luxury hospitality, safari, or high end travel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven track record in delivering accuracy and attention to detail
• Motivated and determined to meet and exceed sales and performance goals
• Demonstrated excellence in proactive customer service
• Strong negotiation, planning, and organisational skills
• Creative, initiative driven, and solutions focused
• Team player who shares knowledge and learning with others
• Professional with a positive and approachable attitude
• Ability to build and manage relationships with diverse clients and cultures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Genuine passion for luxury travel
• Flexible to work varying hours as required
• Knowledge of Res Request, Safari Portal, and HubSpot advantageous

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to apply for this opportunity.