Head of Maintenance

Kendrick Recruitment; Kuruman; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-In accommodation

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks a Head of Maintenance for a luxury private reserve in the Kalahari. The role oversees engineering services, energy systems, water and waste management, and safety compliance to support guest experience and sustainability.

The position requires leading a multi-disciplinary team on remote site operations and living in a live-in environment with a focus on off-grid and eco-friendly technologies.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (or related field).
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee infrastructure, utilities and technical systems to ensure seamless operations.
• Lead a multi-skilled maintenance team and coordinate routine and emergency maintenance activities.
• Manage budgeting, procurement and asset registers for maintenance programs.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Interpersonal communication

Education

Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering

Job description

Head of Maintenance | Luxury Private Reserve | Kalahari

Location: Kalahari

Salary: Negotiable, Dependent on Experience

Accommodation: Live-In

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Maintenance for a luxury private reserve situated in the remote and spectacular Kalahari region. This critical role involves overseeing the full scope of infrastructure, utilities, and technical systems, ensuring the seamless operation of engineering services in support of both guest experience and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure and Facility Maintenance

• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance across guest accommodations, staff quarters, and communal facilities
• Oversee civil works and infrastructure projects aligned with eco-sensitive construction principles
• Ensure all infrastructure complies with legal, safety, and environmental standards

Fleet and Equipment Management

• Coordinate maintenance and optimal performance of reserve and hospitality vehicles (4x4s, tractors, game viewers, etc.)
• Supervise the upkeep of technical assets including tools, machinery, water pumps, solar systems, generators, and boreholes

Utilities and Systems Oversight

• Manage all energy systems, including solar PV arrays, battery storage, and generators
• Oversee water supply systems, purification processes, storage, and responsible waste management
• Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and IT infrastructure

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a multi-skilled technical team (plumbers, electricians, general maintenance staff)
• Ensure team training, motivation, and delivery of high service standards
• Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and emergency response plans

Sustainability and Conservation Integration

• Collaborate with conservation teams to reduce the ecological footprint of operations
• Optimise energy and water efficiency across all infrastructure
• Maintain green building practices and monitor environmental performance

Budgeting and Procurement

• Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget in coordination with the Head of Property Operations
• Oversee procurement of materials, tools, and services aligned with sustainability priorities
• Maintain asset registers and monitor stock levels effectively

Health and Safety Compliance

• Enforce health and safety regulations and organisational policies
• Identify operational risks and implement preventative measures for staff, guest, and wildlife safety

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (or related field)
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a senior engineering or maintenance leadership role
• Strong understanding of off-grid and sustainable technologies (solar, water filtration, waste systems)
• Proven experience in project planning and facilities management
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to live in a remote environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• High attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a hands-on work ethic

Personal Characteristics

• Experience in luxury safari lodges or eco-resort settings
• Familiarity with conservation-aligned operational principles
• Strong problem-solving ability and proactive approach to challenges
• Able to perform under pressure and manage shifting priorities
• Committed to environmental sustainability and responsible resource use
• Flexible, adaptable, and resilient in remote or high-performance environments
• Willing to work variable hours and remain available for emergency situations

What Is Offered

• A unique opportunity to live and work in one of Africa’s most biodiverse and remote regions
• The chance to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation at the intersection of luxury hospitality and conservation
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• A workplace culture defined by innovation, collaboration, and excellence