HOD – Tented (Camping) Division Job Vacancy at Thomson Safaris

HOD – Tented (Camping) Division Job Vacancy at Thomson Safaris

Position: HOD – Tented (Camping) Division 

Company: Thomson Safaris

Reports To: General Manager 

Summary 

As the Head of Department – Tented Division, you are responsible for the overall leadership, management,  and performance of all camping and tented operations. This role ensures operational excellence, cost control,  high guest satisfaction, staff development, and full compliance with company standards, safety regulations,  and regulatory requirements across all camps and field activities. 

Key Responsibilities  

1. Operational Management 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all camping activities in accordance with company policies,  SOPs, and service standards. 
• Conduct regular field visits and audits to verify operational readiness and performance • Ensure camps remain fully operational at all times, with effective repair, maintenance, and  preventative maintenance schedules in place. 
• Maintain full operational knowledge of all operational areas relevant to company itineraries.

2. Camp Logistics and Supply Chain 

• Oversee logistics planning and execution for food orders, consumables, equipment, and staff  supplies 
• Establish and monitor inventory control systems for all camps and stores 
• Ensure accurate stock records, reconciliations, and usage reporting 
• Apply cost-efficiency measures across logistics and supply movements 

3. Procurement and Supplier Management 

• Manage approved suppliers, contractors, and service providers for camping operations
• Enforce compliance with supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and service standards
• Coordinate sourcing and procurement of equipment, food, and technical services per company  policy 
• Review supplier performance and recommend improvements or changes where required

4. People Management and Leadership 

• Lead and manage all camping department teams, including logistics, procurements, technical,  service (cooks and crews) and stores staff
• Approve staffing structures, rosters, leave plans, and duty schedules 
• Set departmental goals and performance expectations 
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management

5. Guest Service and Quality Assurance 

• Ensure high standards of guest service and hospitality across all camps and field operations.
• Oversee the handling and resolution of guest complaints, ensuring timely service recovery and  documentation. 
• Monitor guest feedback, analyze trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions to  improve service quality. 
• Ensure guest safety, security, and safeguarding of personal property within camp environments.

6. Financial Management and Reporting 

• Participate in preparation of operational budgets for camping activities 
• Monitor departmental expenditure and manage costs within approved budgets 
• Identify cost variances and implement corrective actions 
• Submit accurate and timely operational, stock, and cost reports 

7. Compliance, Health, Safety, and Risk Management 

• Ensure full compliance with company standards, health and safety regulations, fire and emergency  procedures, and relevant tourism laws. 
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are in place 
• Maintain readiness for internal and external audits 

8. Stakeholder and Regulatory Engagement 

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders including park authorities, regulatory bodies, community  partners, and industry stakeholders as required for camping operations. 
• Support permits, access requirements, and regulatory compliance for camp operations • Represent camping operations in engagements with external partners 

9. Other Duties 

• Perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the General Manager in line with the role’s  responsibilities. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Logistics and Supply Chain  Management, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience in hospitality, safari operations, camping operations,  or field-based tourism environments. 
• Demonstrated experience in managing tented camps, mobile camps, or similar remote hospitality  operations.
• Strong knowledge of camp logistics, inventory management, procurement processes, and supply  chain coordination in remote locations. 
• Proven experience in budget management, cost control, and operational financial reporting.
• Familiarity with tourism regulations, park authority requirements, and environmental compliance  standards relevant to safari or camping operations. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams including logistics,  procurement, technical, service, and stores staff. 
• Experience in staff development, performance management, training, and team capacity building.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in high-pressure  operational environments. 
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to interact effectively  with park authorities, suppliers, contractors, and regulatory bodies. 
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and operational reporting systems.
• Sound understanding of occupational health and safety standards, risk management, and  emergency procedures in field operations. 
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and spend extended periods in remote camp locations  when required

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, copies of academic certificates and a cover letter detailing their  relevant experience and qualifications to: [email protected] by March 25th 2026. Please  include “HOD – Tented (Camping) Division” in the subject line.