Reserve Maintenance Operations Manager

Craven Cottage CC; Bela-Bela; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC seeks a seasoned Maintenance Manager for a game reserve/large farming operation. You will plan and execute weekly to annual maintenance schedules, lead and mentor the maintenance team, manage budgets, source suppliers, and ensure health and safety compliance.

Requirements include 5+ years in maintenance leadership, Code 8 driver’s license, Level 3 First Aid, firefighting and BCEA knowledge, and fluent English. A proactive, hands-on leader is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ managerial or assistant managerial experience in a maintenance department.
• Valid RSA Driver’s Licence (Code 8) and RSA ID.
• Strong knowledge of water provision, reticulation networks, and electrical fencing.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Commitment to health and safety standards and leadership in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules.
• Lead and mentor the maintenance team, upholding discipline and safety.
• Manage budgets, source suppliers, oversee orders and deliveries.
• Maintain a safe, tidy, hazard‑free work environment in line with protocols.
• Respond to after‑hours emergencies and unforeseen issues.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Team management

English fluency

Education

Electrical systems training

Boiler making qualification

Health and Safety training

First Aid Level 3

Firefighting training

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Duties:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules to optimize reserve productivity.
• Manage, mentor, and lead the entire maintenance team, setting a high standard for timekeeping, workspace organisation, and professional workplace conduct.
• Manage designated operational budgets, source suppliers, oversee orders, and coordinate incoming deliveries.
• Maintain a safe, tidy, and hazard‑free work environment in line with health and safety protocols.
• Act with urgency to resolve unforeseen reserve scenarios and infrastructure failures, including attending to after‑hours emergencies when required.
• Efficiently compile administrative reports and fulfil any other duties relevant to the post as requested by the Reserve Manager.

Requirements:

• Formal education, training, or certifications in electrical systems, plumbing, or boiler making and electrical fencing will be highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years’ managerial or assistant managerial experience within a maintenance department on a game reserve or large‑scale farming operation.
• Valid South African (RSA) Driver’s Licence (Minimum Code 8) and a valid RSA ID.
• Valid Level 3 First Aid Certificate, formal firefighting training, and formal Health and Safety training.
• Comprehensive knowledge of road maintenance, reserve infrastructure, and electrical fencing.
• Strong working knowledge of general electrical systems, water provision, reticulation networks, and specific mechanics regarding water pumps, motors, and boreholes.
• Structural proficiency in boiler making, basic vehicle mechanics, and fleet management.
• Operational expertise and safety management regarding power tools (including chainsaws, brushcutters, and jackhammers).
• General computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook), strong report‑writing skills, and a fundamental understanding of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
• Fluent in English (written and verbal communication).
• A self‑starter and proactive "go-getter" who demonstrates strong initiative.
• Proven problem‑solving ability with the capacity to work effectively under pressure.
• Exceptionnal leadership skills with a hands‑on approach to team task management.