Country General Manager Uganda

Job Overview

Lemala Camps & Lodges is seeking a dynamic Country General Manager to lead its Uganda operations across luxury camps, lodges, and destination management services. This role reports to the Head of Operations and sits within a matrix structure that aligns with group strategies for finance, HR, sales, marketing, reservations, and IT.

The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and ensure sustainable growth while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and community engagement. The position is based in Uganda and requires frequent travel to properties across the country.

Key Responsibilities

As the Country General Manager you will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure that all business units perform at peak levels and deliver consistent brand standards.

• Provide overall leadership and execute the group strategy across all Ugandan operations, aligning camps, lodges, DMC, and support functions with corporate objectives.
• Oversee daily management of camps, lodges, destination management activities, and support services to ensure seamless guest experiences and high property presentation.
• Drive operational efficiency by analysing processes, implementing best practices, and monitoring key performance indicators for service excellence and cost control.
• Monitor financial performance, prepare budgets, control costs, manage procurement, oversee stock levels, and supervise capital expenditure projects.
• Lead the implementation of business system upgrades, and technology adoption to enhance reporting and operational workflows.
• Support commercial initiatives, nurture key trade partner relationships, and develop sales strategies that increase occupancy and revenue streams.
• Develop leadership capability through staff training programmes, mentorship, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives that build a motivated workforce.
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences, maintain property presentation standards, and oversee conservation, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and responsible tourism programmes.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

Candidates must possess a strong academic foundation and proven leadership experience in the hospitality or tourism sector, ideally within East Africa.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Tourism, Finance, or a related field; an MBA or postgraduate qualification is considered advantageous.
• Proven experience leading safari camps, lodges, or multi-site tourism operations, with a track record of delivering growth and service excellence.
• Strong operational and commercial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and revenue optimisation.
• Minimum ten years of progressive experience in East Africa, demonstrating deep understanding of the regional tourism market and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change, drive operational excellence, and implement improvement initiatives across diverse teams.
• Strong leadership, financial acumen, communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making skills, coupled with high integrity and professionalism.

Desirable

Additional qualifications and experiences that will strengthen a candidate’s application and contribute to long‑term success in the role.

• Experience working within a matrix organisational structure, coordinating with functional heads such as finance, HR, sales, marketing, reservations, and IT.
• Familiarity with luxury safari brands and an understanding of high‑net‑worth guest expectations and service delivery standards.
• Knowledge of conservation programmes, community‑based tourism initiatives, and sustainable practices that support environmental stewardship.
• Proficiency with modern hospitality technology systems, including property management systems, channel managers, and online booking platforms.
• Experience in developing and managing key trade partner relationships, including tour operators, travel agents, and online travel agencies.
• Background in preparing and presenting operational and financial performance reports to executive committees and board members.

What the Role Offers

Lemala Camps & Lodges provides a competitive remuneration package and a range of benefits designed to support employee wellbeing and professional growth in Uganda.

• Attractive salary package that reflects seniority, experience, and the strategic importance of the Country General Manager position.
• Performance‑linked bonus scheme tied to the achievement of financial, operational, and sustainability targets.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and immediate family, including access to private medical facilities.
• Housing allowance or provision of furnished accommodation near the primary duty station to ease relocation and living costs.
• Transport facilitation, including a company vehicle with fuel and maintenance support for work‑related travel across Uganda.
• Daily lunch provision or meal allowance while on site, ensuring staff are well nourished during long operational days.
• Opportunities for professional development, including sponsorship for relevant courses, conferences, and leadership training programmes.
• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, public holidays, and compassionate leave in accordance with Ugandan labour law.
• A supportive work environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and a commitment to responsible tourism and community development.

How to Apply

Please submit your updated curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the Country General Manager role. Applications should be directed to the HR department. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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