CSIR Hiring Reservations Office Manager in Pretoria, South Africa – Apply By 25 May 2026

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), one of South Africa’s leading scientific and technology research organizations, is currently recruiting for the position of Reservations Office Manager at its Conferencing and Accommodation (C&A) portfolio in Pretoria. The opportunity is ideal for experienced hospitality, conferencing, and event management professionals seeking to contribute to a high-performance environment focused on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and business growth.

The position is based at Scientia in Pretoria and is offered as a full-time permanent role. Applications are open until 25 May 2026.

About CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a prominent research and innovation institution in South Africa dedicated to advancing scientific and technological solutions that support industrial development and socio-economic prosperity.

The organization plays a significant role in research, technology localization, innovation, and state capability development across various sectors. In addition to its scientific operations, CSIR also manages conferencing and accommodation services through the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC).

Role Overview: Reservations Office Manager

The Reservations Office Manager will oversee the operations of the CSIR ICC Reservations Office, ensuring efficient coordination between client requirements and operational departments. The role is central to achieving annual sales targets, maximizing venue occupancy, and delivering excellent customer experiences before, during, and after events.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Business Development Manager and will lead a team of Event Coordinators responsible for managing reservations, event logistics, and customer engagement.

The position requires a strategic, customer-focused, and process-driven professional capable of balancing operational efficiency with exceptional service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

The Reservations Office Manager will manage multiple operational and leadership functions within the CSIR ICC environment.

Team Leadership and Staff Management

Key leadership responsibilities include:

• Managing and motivating Event Coordinators
• Supporting employee performance and productivity
• Promoting teamwork across operational departments
• Maintaining a healthy and collaborative work environment

The role requires strong people management skills to ensure staff members perform effectively while delivering high-quality customer service.

Reservations and Client Coordination

The Reservations Office acts as the primary communication link between clients and operational departments. Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating event bookings and client requirements
• Ensuring smooth communication between departments
• Monitoring event planning processes
• Ensuring customer satisfaction throughout event delivery

The manager will also advise Event Coordinators on venue logistics, facility utilization, and available resources to maximize efficiency and client experience.

Sales and Revenue Management

A major focus of the role is driving revenue growth and venue occupancy through effective sales management and operational oversight.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring sales performance against targets
• Implementing corrective measures where necessary
• Maximizing venue occupancy and revenue opportunities
• Developing additional client services and packages

The manager will also support the development of value-added offerings such as:

• Overnight accommodation
• Shuttle and transportation services
• Pre-event and post-event tours

These services are intended to enhance customer experiences while contributing to revenue generation.

Financial and Contract Administration

The role also includes important financial management duties such as:

• Ensuring contracts are signed before events
• Confirming deposits are received on time
• Reviewing final invoices for accuracy
• Monitoring commission payments to agents
• Managing office budgets and assets

These responsibilities help minimize operational and financial risks to the organization.

Qualifications and Experience Required

CSIR is seeking candidates with strong hospitality, conferencing, or event management backgrounds combined with leadership and operational experience.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A National Diploma in Event Management, Hospitality, Tourism, or Business Administration
• A minimum of five years’ experience in local or international conferencing environments

A degree in any of the listed fields will be considered advantageous.

Essential Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong management experience
• Customer-focused service delivery
• Sales and business development insight
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Process-driven and systematic work methods
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to delegate responsibilities effectively

These competencies are critical for managing complex event coordination processes while maintaining high customer satisfaction standards.

Benefits of Working at CSIR

CSIR offers employees several professional and workplace benefits designed to support career growth and employee recognition.

Learning and Development Opportunities

Employees gain access to ongoing professional development and learning initiatives that support career advancement and skill enhancement.

Competitive Remuneration

The organization provides market-related salary packages aimed at attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

Employee Recognition Programmes

CSIR recognizes employee achievements through initiatives such as the prestigious CSIR Excellence Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions and accomplishments within the organization.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

CSIR is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act in South Africa. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups as part of the organization’s transformation and inclusion goals.

The recruitment process may also include:

• Educational qualification verification
• Employment history checks
• Criminal and credit checks for relevant positions

Application Deadline

Applications for the Reservations Office Manager position close on 25 May 2026. CSIR has indicated that feedback will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.

The role presents an excellent opportunity for experienced hospitality and conferencing professionals to contribute to one of South Africa’s leading research and innovation organizations while developing expertise in event operations, client management, and business growth.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.