Lodge Operations & Guest Service Leader

SYLVESTER WILLIAM BURGER

Phone: +267-********

Email: *************@*****.***

Location: Ghanzi, Botswana

Nationality: Botswana

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Practical and versatile operations professional with strong experience across retail management, remote lodge operations, tourism, mining-camp supply, logistics, procurement, fleet coordination, stock control, maintenance, and team leadership. Experienced in managing demanding operations in both commercial and remote environments, including retail stores, safari lodges, isolated camps, and supply services to mining and hospitality clients. Strong background in coordinating stock, suppliers, staff, infrastructure, vehicles, customer service, and daily operational systems. Known for being hands-on, dependable, solution-driven, and able to work effectively under pressure in environments where planning, accountability, communication, and practical problem-solving are essential.

CORE SKILLS

• Retail & Store Operations Management

• Remote Lodge & Camp Operations

• Mining Camp Supply & Logistics

• Procurement & Supplier Coordination

• Stock Control & Inventory Management

• Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

• Fleet & Equipment Coordination

• Guest Relations & Hosting

• Food Services & Bulk Order Management

• Maintenance Coordination

• Remote Infrastructure Support

• Client Service & Complaint Resolution

• Administrative Reporting

• Operational Problem-Solving

Computer and Admin Skills

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• Email Communication

• Basic Reporting

• Stock & Inventory Records

• Invoicing and Delivery Documentation

• Filing and Administrative Follow-Up

CAREER HISTORY

Assistant Store Manager

Fours Cash & Carry, Ghanzi

July 2024 – Present

• Oversee daily operations of a high-volume retail and food services environment

• Manage supply and service delivery to remote clients including lodges and mining operations

• Coordinate procurement, stock control, and supplier relationships

• Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements

• Contributed to consistent business growth exceeding 20% year-on-year Operations Manager

Tautona Lodge

Jan 2024 – June 2024

• Managed full lodge operations including staff supervision, guest services, and daily activities in a remote environment

• Oversaw procurement, stock control, and supply logistics ensuring uninterrupted operations

• Coordinated maintenance of infrastructure including vehicles, solar systems, boreholes, and lodge facilities

• Managed staff scheduling, performance, and operational planning Estate & Wildlife Management:

• Oversaw game and land management across an extensive lodge property with a large wildlife population

• Monitored wildlife health, movement, and general condition of game

• Managed and maintained water points, boreholes, and natural resources supporting wildlife

• Conducted fence line inspections and boundary maintenance

• Supported anti-poaching awareness and property security measures

• Assisted with coordination of veterinary and wildlife management activities

• Ensured balance between guest experience, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability

Assistant Store Manager

Fours Cash & Carry, Ghanzi

July 2022 – Dec 2023

• Managed store operations, staff coordination, and stock control

• Led food services operations and client engagement

• Maintained supplier relationships and inventory accuracy Assistant Manager – Food Services Division

Fours Cash & Carry, Maun

Aug 2021 – July 2022

• Managed logistics and supply to delta lodges and Khoemacau Mine

• Coordinated fleet operations, routing, and delivery schedules

• Ensured efficient and timely fulfillment of large-scale orders

• Acted as liaison between clients and operations team Field Researcher & Park Overseer

CARACAL Biodiversity Center (Chobe Area)

July 2021 – Aug 2021

• Operated in remote conservation environments managing field logistics and equipment

• Assisted in wildlife tracking, data collection, and environmental monitoring Assistant Manager

Landmark, Kasane

April 2020 – July 2021

• Managed daily operations, procurement, and stock control

• Ensured inventory accuracy and operational efficiency Safari Guide & Team Leader – Maintenance

Rooiputs & Polentswa Lodges (Tashebube)

2016 – 2018

• Managed maintenance of lodge infrastructure including vehicles, solar systems, boreholes, and facilities

• Delivered guest experiences as a host and safari guide

• Assisted with procurement and logistics for lodge operations

• Supervised maintenance team in remote lodge environments Wildlife & Land Support:

• Assisted with wildlife and land management activities within lodge concession areas

• Supported maintenance of water points and infrastructure used by wildlife

• Conducted boundary and fence inspections

• Balanced guest interaction with safe and responsible wildlife engagement EDUCATION

• Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education

• Professional Safari Guide Certification – Career Dreams Center (2016) REFERENCES

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