Lodge Maintenance Manager

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lodge Maintenance Manager at HotelJobs oversees the upkeep of the lodge, guest areas, staff facilities and infrastructure. This hands-on role requires practical technical knowledge, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage maintenance staff and contractors effectively.

Responsibilities include coordinating maintenance across the lodge, supervising teams, attending to electrical, plumbing and building works, and ensuring safety and high presentation standards for guests at all

Qualifications

• Relevant technical qualification or trade certification preferred.
• 3–5 years in maintenance or technical management roles.
• Experience in luxury hotel, lodge or remote hospitality is advantageous.
• Proven experience managing maintenance teams and contractors.
• Strong knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
• Valid driver's licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance operations across the lodge and facilities.
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, staff housing and infrastructure.
• Prioritise repairs by urgency and impact on operations.
• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Supervise maintenance staff and contractors; allocate duties.
• Coordinate external service providers and obtain quotations.
• Maintain records of maintenance work and parts stock.
• Ensure safety systems and essential equipment are well maintained.
• Budget support and forecasting for maintenance needs.

Skills

Electrical maintenance

Plumbing

Mechanical repairs

Carpentry

Maintenance planning

Contractor management

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Trade certification in Electrical

Trade certification in Plumbing

Trade certification in Mechanical

Related technical qualification

Tools

Generators

Pumps

Water systems

Sewage systems

Solar power systems

Air-conditioning equipment

Job description

The Lodge Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair and upkeep of the lodge, staff facilities, guest areas, accommodation, infrastructure, equipment and surrounding grounds. The position ensures that all facilities, systems and equipment remain safe, functional and maintained to a high standard. The successful candidate will be a practical, hands-on individual with strong technical knowledge, excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to manage maintenance staff and contractors effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all maintenance operations across the lodge and associated facilities.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, staff accommodation, back-of-house areas and lodge infrastructure.
• Identify maintenance requirements and prioritise repairs according to urgency and operational impact.
• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Ensure all lodge facilities, equipment and systems are maintained to the required standard.
• Supervise and manage maintenance staff and allocate daily duties.
• Monitor the quality and completion of maintenance work.
• Coordinate external contractors and specialised service providers where required.
• Obtain quotations and assist management with maintenance-related purchasing.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance work, repairs, equipment and servicing.
• Ensure essential equipment and tools are available and properly maintained.
• Attend to plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, general building and mechanical maintenance where competent.
• Monitor generators, pumps, water systems, sewage systems, solar systems and other lodge infrastructure where applicable.
• Conduct regular checks on water supply, boreholes, tanks and irrigation systems.
• Assist with swimming pool maintenance and other recreational facilities.
• Monitor air-conditioning, refrigeration and other essential equipment.
• Ensure emergency equipment and safety systems are regularly inspected and maintained.
• Respond quickly to urgent breakdowns and maintenance emergencies.
• Ensure maintenance work causes minimal disruption to guests and lodge operations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation within maintenance and workshop areas.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for maintenance requirements.
• Monitor the use of maintenance materials and control wastage.
• Maintain an appropriate stock of essential spare parts and consumables.
• Keep management informed of major maintenance concerns and potential infrastructure issues.
• Assist with lodge projects, renovations, upgrades and improvements.
• Work closely with the Lodge Manager and departmental heads to identify and resolve operational issues.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant technical qualification or trade certification in Electrical; Plumbing, Mechanical Engineering, Building, Maintenance or a related field is advantageous.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a maintenance or technical management position.
• Previous experience within a luxury hotel, lodge, safari lodge or remote hospitality environment is highly advantageous.
• Proven experience managing maintenance teams and contractors.
• Strong practical knowledge of general building and maintenance.
• Experience with electrical, plumbing, mechanical and general maintenance systems.
• Experience with generators, pumps, water systems and sewage systems is advantageous.
• Knowledge of solar systems and alternative power systems is advantageous.
• Experience with preventative maintenance programmes.
• Computer literacy and good administrative skills.
• Valid driver's licence is essential or highly advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Electrical maintenance and fault finding.
• Plumbing and water systems.
• Basic mechanical repairs.
• Carpentry and general building maintenance.
• Painting and renovations.
• Generator operation and maintenance.
• Pump and borehole systems.
• Water treatment and sewage systems.
• Air-conditioning and refrigeration knowledge is advantageous.
• Solar and backup power systems.
• Basic welding and fabrication would be advantageous.
• Maintenance planning and preventative maintenance.
• Contractor and supplier management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical and practical ability.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise urgent maintenance issues.
• Good leadership and staff-management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong preventative-maintenance mindset.
• Good record-keeping and administrative skills.
• Ability to work in a hands-on environment.

Personal Attributes

• Practical and hands-on.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Responsible and safety-conscious.
• Hardworking and physically fit.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Professional and respectful.
• Strong work ethic.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Willing to assist with a wide range of lodge maintenance requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable working in a remote safari lodge environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and after-hours when emergencies arise.
• Must be available to respond to urgent maintenance issues.
• Accommodation on the property may be required, depending on the lodge's operational requirements.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• A valid driver's licence is advantageous.
• Previous experience in the Hoedspruit / Lowveld / safari environment would be beneficial.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reports To: Lodge Manager / General Manager
• Manages: Maintenance team, artisans and external contractors as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on and technically skilled maintenance professional with previous experience in a lodge, hotel, resort or remote hospitality environment. They should be able to identify problems before they become operational issues, manage preventative maintenance effectively and respond quickly to breakdowns. The successful candidate must be comfortable working independently, managing a small maintenance team and taking ownership of the lodge's infrastructure, while maintaining a strong focus on guest comfort, safety, reliability and presentation.