Head of Maintenance

Kontak Recruitment; Kuruman; On-site; ZAR 850 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Northern Cape, South Africa is seeking a Head of Maintenance to oversee infrastructure, utilities, and fleet management. The role requires strong leadership in a hands-on environment, focusing on operational efficiency and sustainability practices. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in engineering leadership, off-grid utilities operations, and be comfortable working on-site in a remote location. This position offers a competitive salary package and requires willingness to provide support during off-hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior maintenance or engineering leadership role.
• Solid planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to live on-site.

Responsibilities

• Manage maintenance planning and delivery for buildings and utilities.
• Ensure all facilities comply with safety and environmental requirements.
• Lead a multidisciplinary maintenance team and manage performance.
• Prepare and manage the maintenance budget effectively.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Civil engineering

People leadership

Problem solving

Knowledge of off-grid utilities

Education

Qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering

Tools

HVAC systems

Solar PV systems

Generators

Battery storage

Job description

Head of Maintenance (JB5807)

Location: Northern Cape, South Africa
Salary: R850,000 - R1,000,000 per annum, TCTC (negotiable)
Working Arrangement: Live-in, on-site

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.

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.

Key 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.

Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcome, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.