Maintenance Manager jobs in South Africa

Live and work in one of Africa’s most breathtaking and biodiverse wilderness regions.

This is a senior-level leadership role for an experienced technical operations professional who thrives in complex, off-grid environments. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, budgeting, and oversight of all infrastructure, utility systems, vehicle fleets, and technical staff across a remote conservation-based eco-tourism reserve.

The successful candidate will bring a strong engineering background, ideally with experience managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and overseeing off-grid infrastructure (solar PV systems, boreholes, HVAC, and waste systems).

This role demands a high level of operational strategy, compliance awareness, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure optimal guest experience and environmental responsibility.

Sector: Eco-tourism & Conservation Hospitality.

Salary: R45 000 – R55 000 per month.

Applicants seeking to relocate are welcome to apply.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering
• 7+ years in a senior engineering/maintenance leadership role
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a senior engineering or maintenance role, with hospitality industry preference but not required.
• Strong understanding of sustainable technologies (solar energy, water filtration, waste management and off-grid utilities).
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Experience with facilities management systems and project planning tools.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to live on-site in a remote environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate across departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead maintenance for all buildings, guest accommodations, and staff facilities
• Oversee infrastructure upgrades and civil works within eco-sensitive guidelines.
• Manage all power systems (solar PV, generators, battery banks).
• Supervise water supply (boreholes, purification, storage), and waste management (greywater recycling, sewage systems).
• Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and IT infrastructure.
• Maintain vehicle fleet and mechanical tools for reserve and hospitality operations (4x4s, tractors, game viewers, etc.).
• Guide and develop technical teams (electricians, plumbers, handymen)
• Uphold all health, safety, and compliance standards.
• Build and manage annual maintenance budget; oversee procurement of tools, materials and services.
• Partner with conservation teams to reduce ecological footprint and optimise green systems.
• Ensure readiness for emergencies and system outages through proactive planning.