Originally built in 1895, Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand's premier luxury properties housed in the nation's largest, private historic residence. The property holds a Category 1 Listing from New Zealand’s National Historic Places Trust, is acclaimed as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and its 30-acre grounds are recognized as a "New Zealand Garden of National Significance."

The Lodge opened in 2007 following an extensive renovation and is a Relais & Châteaux, Virtuoso and American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts member property.

Are you a natural host with a flair for operations, people, and fine detail? Do you thrive in a luxury environment where personalised service and exceptional standards are part of daily life? 

Otahuna Lodge is seeking an exceptional Lodge Manager to join their small but high-performing team. This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You’ll be responsible for the seamless day-to-day running of the Lodge, working closely with the Managing Directors and department heads to ensure the ultimate guest and staff experience.

This is your chance to lead a passionate team, develop innovative systems, and oversee everything from recruitment and staff welfare to event coordination, stock control, and high-level hosting.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Hosting and welcoming high-profile guests with warmth and discretion

• Overseeing recruitment, training, and rosters across departments

• Coordinating functions, private dinners, and exclusive events

• Ensuring best-in-class operations across back-of-house & front-of-house systems

• Maintaining internationally high standards across accommodation, grounds, and guest services

• Representing the lodge with media, industry partners, and prospective clients

• Driving the development and implementation of new strategies, including saleable product lines and new special offerings.

About You:
You bring a calm, solutions-focused energy, thriving in both leadership and service roles. With at least 8 years’ experience in a luxury hospitality setting, you’re a natural multitasker who can move from big-picture planning to hands-on hosting with grace and efficiency.

You Have:

• A formal qualification or equivalent experience in Hospitality Management

• A current Duty Manager’s Certificate

• Outstanding communication and people leadership skills

• Strong financial acumen across budgeting, forecasting and expenditure

• Working knowledge of RMS and Microsoft Office

• A full, clean driver’s licence

• A guest-first mindset and meticulous attention to detail & discretion

• Legal rights to work & live in New Zealand

• Flexibility of work schedule  

Otahuna offers a close-knit, enjoyable work environment with best-in-class perks including complimentary meals, a team-wide gratuity sharing system and end-of-year profit share bonus.