Head of Maintenance

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Head of Maintenance in Kuruman, Northern Cape, for a senior-level role overseeing infrastructure in an eco-tourism reserve. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage off-grid technical environments. Responsibilities include maintaining all facilities and technical systems while ensuring compliance and sustainability. Competitive salary of R45,000 – R55,000 per month offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a senior engineering/maintenance leadership role.
• Experience with the hospitality industry is preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of off-grid utilities like solar energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance for all buildings and guest accommodations.
• Oversee infrastructure upgrades and manage power systems.
• Guide and develop technical teams including electricians and plumbers.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Operations Management

Collaboration

Knowledge of Sustainable Technologies

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering

Tools

Facilities Management Systems

Project Planning Tools

Job description

Head of Maintenance required in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

Live and work in one of Africa’s most breathtaking and biodiverse wilderness regions.

This is a senior-level leadership role for an experienced technical operations professional who thrives in complex, off-grid environments. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, budgeting, and oversight of all infrastructure, utility systems, vehicle fleets, and technical staff across a remote conservation-based eco-tourism reserve.

The successful candidate will bring a strong engineering background, ideally with experience managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and overseeing off-grid infrastructure (solar PV systems, boreholes, HVAC, and waste systems).

This role demands a high level of operational strategy, compliance awareness, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure optimal guest experience and environmental responsibility.

Sector: Eco-tourism & Conservation Hospitality.

Salary: R45 000 – R55 000 per month.

Applicants seeking to relocate are welcome to apply.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering
• 7+ years in a senior engineering/maintenance leadership role
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a senior engineering or maintenance role, with hospitality industry preference but not required.
• Strong understanding of sustainable technologies (solar energy, water filtration, waste management and off-grid utilities).
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Experience with facilities management systems and project planning tools.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to live on-site in a remote environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate across departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead maintenance for all buildings, guest accommodations, and staff facilities
• Oversee infrastructure upgrades and civil works within eco-sensitive guidelines.
• Manage all power systems (solar PV, generators, battery banks).
• Supervise water supply (boreholes, purification, storage), and waste management (greywater recycling, sewage systems).
• Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and IT infrastructure.
• Maintain vehicle fleet and mechanical tools for reserve and hospitality operations (4x4s, tractors, game viewers, etc.).
• Guide and develop technical teams (electricians, plumbers, handymen)
• Uphold all health, safety, and compliance standards.
• Build and manage annual maintenance budget; oversee procurement of tools, materials and services.
• Partner with conservation teams to reduce ecological footprint and optimise green systems.
• Ensure readiness for emergencies and system outages through proactive planning.