Manager - The Camp & Cross Hill Lodge and Domes
Are you ready for your next “camping” adventure? We're looking for an inspirational leader to manage two unique and iconic accommodation brands situated on the shores of Lake Hawea: Cross Hill and The Camp.
Cross Hill offers an accommodation experience like no other — a private lodge where guests enjoy fine hospitality before settling into our luxury geodomes for a world-class outdoor experience.
The Camp offers a range of camping options where people can stay, immerse, and play in our idyllic natural environment.
This role is more than just management — it's about shaping the future. We're looking for a visionary leader with bold ideas, a track record of impact, and a passion for empowering people. You’ll build a legendary team, embrace change, and lead with heart and purpose.If you love the outdoors and enjoy exploring it, that’s a huge plus, because it’s at the core of what we do.
We believe in regenerative tourism — hosting with care, and leaving things better than we found them. This role plays an active part in supporting the whole living system through sustainable practices and stewardship. You’ll be a tourism advocate in our region, connecting guests with the land and community in meaningful ways.
Owned and passionately led by Richard and Sarah Burdon, our business is grounded in values of hospitality, sustainability, and community. We’re here to get more people outdoors, help them fall in love with nature, and ultimately inspire them to protect it.
At Cross Hill & The Camp (Glen Dene Group), we’re more than a destination, we’re an experience. Our mission is simple yet powerful: To be the best outdoor accommodation business in the world. Whether it’s hosting global travelers in luxury geodomes at Cross Hill or creating lifelong memories around the campfire at The Camp, we believe in people, place, and purpose.
The Business
Our Vision: To be the best outdoor accommodation business in the world.Our Values: Honour, Respect, Accountability, Willingness, Environment, Adaptability
Our Purpose: To get more people out enjoying the outdoors. Those that spend time in the outdoors and fall in love with nature will protect the environment for themselves and for future generations.
The Role
Reporting to the General Manager of the Glen Dene Group, you will:
- Lead and inspire high-performing teams across Cross Hill and The Camp.
- Drive operational excellence, ensuring guest experiences remain world-class.
- Collaborate on and implement strategic business plans, including financial forecasting, brand elevation, food & beverage strategy, and new ventures.
- Ensure health, safety, and compliance obligations are met across all sites.
- Be hands-on, visible, and deeply involved in the culture, performance, and wellbeing of your people.
You’ll also oversee direct reports including team leaders across reservations and both accommodation sites, working together to bring big ideas to life with passion and precision.
The Fit
You’re a natural leader — experienced, inspiring, and grounded. You have 5 years+ management and leadership experience in hospitality, tourism or accommodation, and you thrive when turning ideas into action.
You are:
- Strategic yet hands-on — equally comfortable in a meeting room or around the campfire
- Culture-focused — you understand that people are our greatest asset
- Operationally savvy — experienced with financials, business planning, and performance tracking
- Values-led — driven by sustainability, respect, and community
- A champion of continuous improvement (not perfection!)
- A motivated team committed to delivering exceptional service is in place, ready and waiting for you
- A competitive salary
- Work in a beautiful and pristine location – Lake Hawea in Central Otago
- Embark on a dynamic role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities
- Collaborate with passionate owners and managers dedicated to sustainability and community impact
- Contribute to the growth of a diverse range of businesses within a supportive family environment
- Drive the development of extraordinary guest experiences
Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Apply today to join an iconic South Island family business that’s redefining what outdoor accommodation can be — for our guests, our people, and our planet.
We have a strong safety culture and as part of this process, our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening which may include alcohol and drug testing.
Application Process - Apply by email to events@thecamp.co.nz with a passionate cover letter telling us how your experience matches our requirements and your full CV.
If you would like to know more, phone Danni on 027 277 1376 for a confidential chat.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 30th April 2025 – please note applications will be reviewed as received. Don’t delay!