Head of Maintenance

Kontak Recruitment; Kuruman; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruiting firm seeks a Head of Maintenance for a conservation reserve in Kuruman, South Africa. This senior role involves ensuring infrastructure reliability, safety, and sustainability while managing a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in maintenance leadership, off-grid systems, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Salary ranges from R70,000 to R85,000 per month, with a live-in arrangement on-site.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior maintenance or engineering leadership role.
• Understanding of off-grid utilities and sustainable systems (solar, water treatment, waste management).
• Experience in hospitality or eco-resorts is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all buildings and facilities are well maintained through preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Manage off-grid and hybrid power systems, including solar PV and generators.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary maintenance team.

Skills

Qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or a related technical discipline

Experience in senior maintenance or engineering leadership role

Strong understanding of off-grid utilities and sustainable systems

Proven people leadership experience with technical teams

Planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills

Valid driver's licence

Willingness to live on-site

Education

Qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering

Job description

Head of Maintenance job vacancy in Kuruman.

This organisation operates a large, privately managed conservation reserve in South Africa, combining high‑end hospitality with long‑term environmental stewardship. Its work spans wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, scientific research, and responsible tourism, all supported by complex infrastructure in a remote, off‑grid setting.

The Head of Maintenance oversees all maintenance planning and delivery, ensuring buildings, utilities, fleet, and technical systems operate efficiently while supporting both guest comfort and long‑term environmental priorities. The role combines strategic planning with operational involvement and requires someone comfortable living and working on‑site in a remote setting.

This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role responsible for the reliability, safety, and sustainability of infrastructure and technical systems across a large, remote hospitality and conservation environment.

Salary: R70 000 – R85 000 per month.

Working Arrangement: Live‑in, on‑site.

Minimum Requirements:

• Essential
  • Qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Significant experience in a senior maintenance or engineering leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of off‑grid utilities and sustainable systems (solar, water treatment, waste management).
  • Proven people leadership experience with technical teams.
  • Solid planning, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Valid driver’s licence.
  • Willingness to live on‑site in a remote environment and provide out‑of‑hours support when required.
• Desirable
  • Experience in hospitality, eco‑resorts, lodges, or remote operational environments.
  • Familiarity with conservation‑led or environmentally sensitive operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Infrastructure and facilities
  • Ensure all buildings, guest areas, staff accommodation, and communal facilities are well maintained through preventative and reactive maintenance.
  • Oversee civil works, upgrades, and repairs in line with environmentally sensitive construction principles.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and statutory requirements.
• Utilities and technical systems
  • Manage off‑grid and hybrid power systems, including solar PV, generators, and battery storage.
  • Oversee water infrastructure, including boreholes, purification, storage, and recycling systems.
  • Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and core IT infrastructure.
• Fleet and equipment
  • Ensure servicing and operational readiness of vehicles and heavy equipment, including 4x4s, tractors, and specialist machinery.
  • Maintain tools, pumps, generators, and reserve‑wide mechanical systems.
• Team leadership
  • Lead, develop, and schedule a multidisciplinary maintenance team (electricians, plumbers, technicians, general maintenance staff).
  • Set clear standards, manage performance, and ensure effective emergency response capability.
• Sustainability and conservation support
  • Work closely with conservation and operations teams to reduce energy and water consumption.
  • Monitor system performance and identify efficiency improvements aligned with sustainability goals.
• Budgeting and procurement
  • Prepare and manage the annual maintenance budget.
  • Oversee procurement, stock control, and asset management, balancing cost, durability, and environmental impact.
• Health and safety
  • Enforce occupational health and safety standards.
  • Identify risks and implement preventative controls to protect staff, guests, and wildlife.