ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

EXECUTIVE MANAGER: TOURISM AND MARKETING 

REMUNERATION: R1 696 786 per annum - E2 (All-inclusive except Medical Aid which will be additional upon appointment of the successful candidate) 

FIVE-YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT 

Ref: HR/12/2026 

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, a renowned World Heritage Park where conservation, sustainable tourism and benefits sharing prevails is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Executive Manager: Tourism and Marketing.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION 

The Executive Manager: Tourism and Marketing will provide strategic leadership and direction in the development, implementation and management of the Authority’s tourism and marketing programme. The incumbent will be responsible for positioning iSimangaliso as a leading sustainable tourism destination, increasing visitor numbers and tourism revenue, strengthening strategic partnerships, supporting commercialisation initiatives and ensuring that tourism development contributes to conservation, local economic development and community beneficiation. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

·       NQF Level 7 qualification or Bachelor's Degree in Tourism, Marketing, Built Environment, Business Administration or equivalent 

·       Postgraduate Qualification in Business Management or Equivalent. 

·       MBA or Masters Qualification will be an added advantage 

·       A valid Driver's License 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE 

·       At least 8 years’ experience, with significant experience in a management or senior management position. 

·       Demonstrable experience in tourism management, destination marketing, tourism development, project management or a related environment. 

·       Experience in managing strategic projects and multi-stakeholder initiatives. 

·       Experience in developing and implementing tourism, marketing or business development strategies. 

·       Experience in budget management and performance management. 

·       Experience in working with government, public entities, private-sector stakeholders and communities will be an added advantage. 

KNOWLEDGE

The successful candidate should have sound knowledge of South African tourism and destination-management environment, Tourism development and marketing principles, Project and programme management, Commercialisation and business development, Public-sector governance and legislative frameworks, Strategic planning and performance management, Financial and budget management, Sustainable and responsible tourism, Community-based tourism and socio-economic development and Digital marketing and emerging tourism technologies. 

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS 

Strategic leadership and management, Strategic thinking and business acumen, Tourism and destination marketing, Project management, Financial management, Stakeholder engagement and relationship management, Communication and presentation skills, Report writing and analytical skills, Problem-solving and decision-making, Change and transformation management, Team leadership and people management and Ability to work effectively in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The successful candidate will, amongst others: 

·       Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Tourism and Marketing function. 

·       Develop and implement tourism and marketing strategies aligned with the Authority’s strategic objectives and mandate. 

·       Lead the development and implementation of tourism products, visitor experiences and destination-marketing initiatives. 

·       Identify opportunities to increase visitor numbers, tourism revenue and commercial opportunities. 

·       Support the Authority’s commercialisation strategy, including partnerships, concessions, PPP opportunities and other sustainable tourism initiatives. 

·       Develop and maintain strategic relationships with tourism industry stakeholders, government departments, municipalities, communities, traditional authorities and private-sector partners. 

·       Oversee marketing, branding and promotional activities for the Park. 

·       Promote iSimangaliso nationally and internationally as a sustainable tourism destination. 

·       Monitor tourism trends, market opportunities, visitor behaviour and industry developments to inform strategic decision-making. 

·       Ensure effective management of tourism projects and programmes, including planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring. 

·       Provide leadership in the development of innovative tourism products and digital visitor experiences. 

·       Ensure that tourism development supports conservation objectives, community participation and socio-economic development. 

·       Develop and monitor key performance indicators for the Tourism and Marketing function. 

·       Manage the allocated budget and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies and financial controls. 

·       Provide strategic reports and advice to the Executive Management Committee and Board. 

·       Lead, develop and manage staff within the Tourism and Marketing function. 

·       Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, policies and procedures. 

·       Perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. 

Response to the advertised vacant position and closing date: Please email your applications, a letter with a detailed CV stating the reference number for the position you apply for with certified copies of qualifications, ID and driver’s license attached to: recruitment@isimangaliso.com before the close of business on 9 October 2026. 

Certification should not be older than 6 months. Failure to submit the certified copies will result in your application not being considered. Qualifications and experience must be stated both in the covering letter and CV. Qualification verification will be undertaken to successful candidates after appointment. No applications will be accepted after the closing date. Appointment of the candidate into this position will be made at the sole discretion of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority hence the Entity reserve the right to or not to appoint. The appointment for this position will be made in accordance with the Employment Equity Policy and Employment Equity Plan of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. 

For any administrative matters in relation to this advert you may call Human Resources Department at 035-5901633 during business hours between 8h00 and 16h00.