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Job Description

Cheetah Plains | Hybrid, Cape Town, South Africa (with travel to Sabi Sand Game Reserve) 
 
Who We Are 
Nestled in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Cheetah Plains redefines luxury safaris through avant-garde design, exclusive-use villas, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Recognised as a Condé Nast Readers' Choice Top 10 World Resort and a Fodor's Travel Best Hotel in Africa, we blend wild authenticity with meticulous service, curating transformative experiences for discerning global travellers. 
 
The Opportunity 
As our Sales Manager, you will spearhead Cheetah Plains commercial growth, driving strategic sales initiatives that align with our ethos of sustainable luxury. This role calls for a dynamic leader who can expand market reach, nurture high-value partnerships with leisure and luxury consortia, and convert opportunities into revenue while championing our conservation values. Based in Cape Town with a hybrid model, you will collaborate closely with global luxury networks, travel agencies, and lodge teams to elevate our brand presence and achieve ambitious sales targets. 
 
This role reports to the Commercial Manager and oversees a hybrid sales team, including the Sales Coordinator (shared with the Marketing Manager) and our Global Sales Agents (GSAs) in key international markets.
 
Key Responsibilities 

• Sales Strategy: Develop and execute innovative sales plans to penetrate new markets and retain key leisure accounts, ensuring alignment with Cheetah Plains’ financial and sustainability goals. 
• Partnership Development: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with luxury consortia (e.g., Virtuoso, INTERNOVA) and high-end leisure travel agencies to expand market share. Manage and support our Global Sales Agents (GSAs) in Russia, Brazil, the USA, and the UK. 
• Client Acquisition: Lead end-to-end sales processes, from prospecting to closing bespoke bookings for elite leisure travellers, delivering tailored safari experiences. 
• Brand Advocacy: Represent Cheetah Plains at global trade shows (e.g., PURE, Breaking Boundaries), luxury travel expos, and consortia events, articulating our unique value proposition.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and inspire a remote/hybrid sales team, including direct management of the Sales Coordinator (collaborating with the Marketing Manager) and oversight of international GSAs. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and guest-centric innovation. 
• Data-Driven Insights: Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance using Airtable and other analytics tools to refine strategies and forecast demand. 
• Sustainability Integration: Embed eco-conscious principles into sales initiatives, ensuring promotions reflect our conservation commitments. 
• Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Reservations, and Lodge Operations to align sales efforts with brand messaging and guest experiences.

Availability

ASAP

Salary

Salary: Competitive monthly gross salary of R40,000–R60,000 (dependent on experience).

Required Qualifications

Who You Are 

• A visionary professional with 3+ years in sales management, ideally within luxury hospitality, tourism, or high-end leisure travel. 
• Proven expertise in negotiating partnerships with luxury consortia (e.g., Virtuoso, INTERNOVA) and closing high-value agreements with leisure-focused agencies.
• Experience managing international GSAs is highly advantageous. 
• Skilled in CRM systems (e.g., Airtable) and sales analytics tools, with advanced proficiency in Excel for forecasting and reporting. 
• A strategic storyteller who can craft compelling pitches that merge commercial objectives with Cheetah Plains’ sustainability narrative. 
• Passionate about conservation and aligning business growth with environmental stewardship. 
• A collaborative leader who thrives in hybrid environments, balancing remote teamwork with frequent, including lodge visits and global market engagements. 
• Fluent in English; German, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese proficiency is a strong asset. 

Location

Cape Town

General Details

Why Join Us? 

• Salary: Competitive monthly gross salary of R40,000–R60,000 (dependent on experience). 
• Impact: Drive the commercial success of an award-winning lodge at the forefront of sustainable luxury. 
• Growth: Access mentorship and expand your global network in luxury travel. 
• Purpose: Contribute to wildlife conservation and community upliftment projects.
• Lifestyle: Hybrid flexibility in Cape Town, with travel to the lodge.

Apply Now 
If you’re ready to transform sales strategies into impact, submit your CV and cover letter to Selmarie Van Deventer at admin@cheetahplains.com - click on the "Apply Now" button.
 
Application Deadline: 15 June 2025 
 
Cheetah Plains is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all team members.