Maintenance Manager

HotelJobs; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Manager for a live-in role at a remote lodge. You will oversee maintenance across lodges, staff villages, roads, water systems, fencing and infrastructure, and ensure preventative schedules.

Lead and train the maintenance team, enforce safety, manage budgets, source contractors, and keep detailed service logs. The position requires a technical diploma and at least five years in maintenance management in hospitality.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma or trade qualification in electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or building maintenance.
• Health & Safety certification beneficial.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a maintenance management role, preferably in hospitality.
• Strong background in Solar, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical work.
• Experience managing lodge infrastructure, off-grid systems (solar, generators, boreholes), and road/fence maintenance.
• Experience mentoring a small team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance across the reserve including lodges, roads, water systems, and infrastructure.
• Develop and enforce preventative maintenance schedules.
• Lead, supervise, and train maintenance and groundskeeping teams.
• Manage budget and sourcing of contractors and suppliers.
• Report to General Manager / Reserve Manager.
• Ensure environmental and conservation regulations compliance.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Independent worker

Hands-on problem solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Budgeting

Cost control

Physical fitness

Education

Technical diploma or trade qualification

Health & Safety certification

Job description

Single live in position no pets or children

Duties & Responsibilities

General Maintenance Oversight

• Manage; plan, and coordinate all maintenance operations across the reserve (lodges, staff villages, roads, vehicles, water systems, fencing, and infrastructure).
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are developed and adhered to.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and repairs promptly.

Staff Management & Training

• Lead; supervise, and train the maintenance and groundskeeping team.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor productivity and workmanship.
• Enforce health and safety protocols for all maintenance activities.

Lodge & Guest Area Maintenance

• Maintain guest accommodations, lodge buildings, swimming pools, and hospitality facilities to 5-star standard.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify areas needing repair or upgrades.

Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance

• Oversee workshop operations for vehicles, tractors, generators, and tools.
• Schedule servicing and ensure equipment is in working order.
• Manage stock of spares, fuel, oils, and lubricants.

Utilities & Infrastructure

• Oversee water reticulation, boreholes, septic systems, pumps, and solar/diesel generators.
• Maintain reserve roads, airstrips, and fencing.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and conservation regulations.

Budget & Reporting

• Prepare and manage maintenance budget.
• Source contractors and suppliers when required.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, service logs, and expenditure.

Report directly to the General Manager / Reserve Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Training

• Technical diploma or trade qualification (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or building maintenance).
• Health & Safety certification beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a maintenance management role (preferably at a game lodge, reserve, or hospitality environment).
• Strong background in Solar, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical work.
• Previous experience with lodge infrastructure, off-grid systems (solar, generators, boreholes), and road/fence maintenance.
• Experience managing and mentoring a small team.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote bush environment.
• Hands-on; practical problem solver.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Budgeting and cost-control ability.
• Physically fit and able to handle demanding outdoor conditions.
• Valid driver’s license (PDP advantageous).