Hospo Legend - Lodge Manager - Work, Live, Explore - Gore
Are you a hospitality legend with a passion for creating exceptional experiences and a love for laughter at work? We're looking for you!
Milford Lodge has one full-time, permanent, long-term position available in our management team, starting September 2025.
Our onsite management team includes a Head Chef, Sous Chef, 3 Duty Managers, an Asset Manager, and an Operations Manager. We collaborate closely to ensure our team (the "lodgies") and guests have an unforgettable Milford experience.
This role is diverse, fun, challenging, and rewarding. We strongly believe in work-life balance, working hard, playing hard, personal growth, and supporting each other to be our best. The perks are fantastic, including:
- An 8-days-on, 6-days-off roster, essentially a holiday every fortnight.
- An ensuite room in the managers' house, boasting what might be the best deck and view in the world.
- Training and support from New Zealand's hospitality guru, James O'Connell.
- Change-of-season team mini-breaks.
- A generous fun budget.
- Very affordable rent, including all bills and excellent food (we shop, you cook!).
- Access to a pool table, ping pong table, and a gym.
- Social Sundays and Wellbeing Wednesdays.
- 6+ weeks of annual leave or leave without pay.
- A competitive salary.
The list goes on! We have a reputation among thousands of "lodgies" worldwide as providing the best employment experiences of their careers, and our guests adore us. No one leaves Milford without a piece of their heart touched, whether they've been here for a night or ten years.
With the capacity to host up to 100 guests nightly, our accommodations include iconic chalets to rainforest campervan sites. Alongside top-tier guest services and booking support, we provide an excellent food and beverage experience through our bustling Pio Pio Restaurant.Our international team thrives in this remote, fast-paced environment where we handle every challenge together with positivity, camaraderie, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for guests and our team.
WHO WE ARE
Our guests hail from around the globe, visiting the 8th wonder of the world to check off a bucket list destination. Our team, comprising over 25 enthusiastic customer service professionals from diverse backgrounds, is here to fully immerse themselves in this renowned natural attraction.Together, we manage Reception (reservations, information services, activity bookings, and sales, nature guides), Housekeeping (servicing and maintaining 24 guest rooms and facilities), and Pio Pio (front of house and chefs delivering top-quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Our current kitchen team consists of 7 international professionals, each bringing unique talents and creativity, all united by their passion for this incredible location and teamwork.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR- You’re a positive, adaptable, and enthusiastic individual with a "let’s-go" attitude.
- You enjoy the thrill of unique environments and are a natural problem-solver who tackles challenges head-on.
- You thrive in a team setting and bring a sense of fun to your work.
- Nature, adventure, and people are your passions.
- You have no room for drama; instead, you’re committed to making every day exceptional for both guests and teammates.
LIVING THE LODGIE LIFE
Onsite Living: Experience the magic of Milford Sound, the 8th wonder of the world, by living onsite with a fun, like-minded group. We laugh a lot, and you won’t need to worry about finding accommodation.
Flexible Rosters: Travel and work on your terms. Our team creates rosters that suit their plans, with the Duty Managers having 6 days off in a row every fortnight. You can explore the entire country over a season at the lodge while having a home, family, and paycheck to return to.
Happy Guests: Our guests love their experience here. Come see why—Milford is spectacular, the Lodge is beautiful, and we care deeply about both Lodgie and guest satisfaction.
Culture and Fun: We value culture and fun. Our weekly team calendar includes activities like Social Sundays, family dinners, Lodgie bake-offs, and ping pong competitions.
Meals Included: Your rent includes access to fully stocked fridges with quality food—you get to place the order! Plus, with our shared cooking rotations, 90% of the time, dinner is made for you. Our international team brings exciting, diverse meals to the table, accommodating all dietary needs.
Adventure on Your Doorstep: Milford Sound is a world-renowned playground, offering boat tours, kayaking, climbing, hiking, fishing, and hunting—all right at your doorstep.
Unforgettable Experience: Previous lodgies describe their time here as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with cherished memories and lifelong friendships.
Check out some sneak peeks of lodgie life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yFkFrO03Ww&t=10s
We would love to hear from you, please send your CV to Emma France, Operations Manager - manager@milfordlodge.com.