Reservations Manager – Exclusive Holiday Rentals
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About the role
Location: Knysna, Western Cape
Position: Full-time | Office-based
Salary: R11,000 per month + Commission
About the Role
We're looking for a highly organised, proactive and naturally personable Reservations Manager to join a team managing an exclusive portfolio of holiday rental properties in Knysna.
This is a role for someone who enjoys working with people, has a genuine appreciation for hospitality and knows how to turn an enquiry into a confirmed booking.
You'll be responsible for managing the reservations journey from the very first enquiry through to booking close-out, ensuring that guests receive prompt, professional and personalised communication every step of the way.
We're looking for someone who is an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing. Someone who can build rapport with guests, confidently handle enquiries, follow up on potential bookings and make people feel well looked after before they've even arrived.
Behind the scenes, you'll need to be exceptionally organised, detail-oriented and comfortable juggling multiple bookings, calendars, guest requests and administrative responsibilities.
This is a position that requires a good balance of people skills, sales ability and administrative discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Manage incoming reservation enquiries across various booking channels.
Prepare quotations, follow up on enquiries and convert potential guests into confirmed bookings.
Handle booking confirmations, rental agreements and guest correspondence.
Maintain accurate availability calendars, booking records and reservation information across multiple platforms.
Communicate professionally and confidently with guests before, during and after their stay.
Build positive relationships with guests and provide a warm, personalised service.
Coordinate guest arrivals, departures and special requests with property managers and housekeeping teams.
Respond promptly to guest queries and assist with resolving any issues that arise.
Follow up on outstanding payments and refundable security deposits in coordination with the finance team.
Ensure that all booking details, guest requirements and administrative processes are accurately followed through.
Identify opportunities to secure bookings through proactive communication and consistent follow-ups.
Assist with approved marketing activities and occasional finance administration when required, with reservations remaining the primary focus.
Requirements
Previous experience in reservations, hospitality, guest relations or a similar customer-facing administrative role.
Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong organisational and administrative abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
Confidence communicating with discerning guests and handling enquiries professionally.
A natural ability to build rapport, follow up on enquiries and convert interest into bookings.
Comfortable managing multiple bookings, deadlines and guest requests simultaneously.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and confident learning new technology.
Experience working with online booking platforms, reservation systems and calendar management.
Comfortable using task-management platforms and AI tools.
Matric qualification.
Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.
Must be available to work from the Knysna office.
Willingness to participate in an agreed after-hours, weekend and public holiday standby schedule.
Able to work collaboratively within a small team.
Reliable, professional and comfortable taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
Experience with calendar synchronisation across multiple booking platforms, Asana, Mailchimp and Sage would be advantageous.
Personality & Fit
Above all, we're looking for someone who is an excellent communicator and takes genuine pride in being organised and getting things done.
You should be the type of person who doesn't need to be reminded to follow up on an enquiry, who notices when something hasn't been completed and who enjoys the satisfaction of turning a potential booking into a confirmed reservation.
We're looking for someone who is:
Warm, friendly and naturally personable.
A confident and articulate communicator.
Highly organised and attentive to the finer details.
Proactive and comfortable taking initiative.
Commercially minded, with a natural ability to sell without being pushy.
Comfortable building relationships with guests over email, telephone and WhatsApp.
Calm and capable when managing multiple priorities.
Tech-savvy and open to learning new systems and tools.
Responsible, dependable and good at following things through.
A positive team player who enjoys working with others.
Someone who genuinely enjoys hospitality and delivering a great guest experience.
Experience
Previous experience in holiday rentals, accommodation reservations, hotel reservations or hospitality administration would be ideal.
However, we would also consider someone from a strong customer service, sales coordination or administrative background who has excellent communication skills, good organisational abilities and the right attitude.
Experience working with multiple online booking platforms and managing availability calendars would be particularly valuable.
How to Apply
Email your CV to: info@opusrecruiter.com
WhatsApp: +27 76 989 5083
Requirements
Previous experience in holiday rentals, accommodation reservations, hotel reservations or hospitality administration would be ideal.