Maintenance Manager

Bushwise; uMnambithi; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Manager to oversee the upkeep, infrastructure, and fleet maintenance of a remote game lodge in a bushveld environment. The role requires proactive problem-solving to maintain luxury guest standards while managing off-grid systems and site repairs.

You will supervise a small team, liaise with external contractors for major repairs, manage budgeting and stock, and ensure OH&S compliance across all lodge facilities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years hands-on maintenance experience, preferably in hospitality or rural estates.
• Trade skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting and mechanical repairs.
• Experience with off-grid solar systems and diesel generators.
• Valid Code 08 (EB) driver''s license; PDP is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations with strong problem-solving.
• Good English communication; local language skills beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee General Property & Infrastructure Maintenance across guest suites, lodge areas, staff quarters, and back-of-house facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair plumbing, geysers, water pumps, boreholes, and basic electrical faults.
• Monitor and maintain solar power installations, inverters, battery banks, and backup generators.
• Conduct routine checks and servicing on game drive vehicles, tractors, trailers, and groundskeeping machinery.
• Maintain swimming pools, water filtration systems, and lodge sewerage/waste treatment plants.
• Supervise a small team of maintenance staff and liaise with external contractors for major repairs.
• Manage workshop tools, order spare parts, stock consumables, and adhere to monthly budgets.
• Ensure OH&S compliance across lodge infrastructure and equipment.

Skills

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

Painting

Mechanical repairs

Solar systems

Diesel generators

Team supervision

Education

Trade qualification (plumbing/electrical)

Job description

Ladysmith, South Africa | Posted on 11/12/2026

We are seeking a hands-on, reliable, and experienced Maintenance Manager to oversee the general upkeep, infrastructure, and fleet maintenance of an exclusive game lodge. Operating in a remote bush environment requires a proactive problem-solver who can maintain luxury guest standards while managing off-grid systems and general estate repairs.

Key Responsibilities

• General Property & Infrastructure Maintenance: Oversee daily preventative and reactive maintenance across guest suites, main lodge areas, staff quarters, and back-of-house facilities.
• Plumbing & Electrical: Troubleshoot and repair plumbing systems, geysers, water pumps, boreholes, and general electrical faults.
• Off-Grid & Power Systems: Monitor, service, and maintain solar power installations, inverters, battery banks, and backup generators.
• Fleet & Equipment Management: Conduct routine checks and basic servicing on game drive vehicles, tractors, trailers, and groundskeeping machinery.
• Pool & Water Management: Maintain swimming pools, water filtration systems, and lodge sewerage/waste treatment plants.
• Team & Contractor Supervision: Manage, schedule, and mentor a small team of general maintenance assistants and groundskeepers. Liaise with external specialist contractors when major repairs are required.
• Inventory & Budgeting: Manage workshop tools, order spare parts, keep stock of essential consumables, and adhere to monthly maintenance budgets.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure all lodge infrastructure, fire-fighting equipment, and workshop practices comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on general maintenance experience, preferably within a game lodge, hospitality, or agricultural environment.
  
• Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of plumbing, basic electrical work, carpentry, painting, and mechanical repairs. A formal trade qualification is advantageous.
  
• Solar & Generator Knowledge: Practical experience maintaining off-grid solar systems and diesel generators is essential.
  
• Driver's Licence: A valid Code 08 (EB) driver's licence is mandatory (PDP is a strong advantage).
  
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, resourceful, able to work independently in a remote location, and calm under pressure.
  
• Communication: Good command of English; proficiency in an additional local language is beneficial for team management.
  

Working Conditions

• This is a live-in position in a remote bushveld setting.
  
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays, and standby shifts for after-hours emergencies