Head of Maintenance (JB5807) at Kontak Recruitment

• This organisation operates a large, privately managed conservation reserve in South Africa, combining high-end hospitality with long-term environmental stewardship. Its work spans wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, scientific research, and responsible tourism, all supported by complex infrastructure in a remote, off-grid setting.
• The Head of Maintenance oversees all maintenance planning and delivery, ensuring buildings, utilities, fleet, and technical systems operate efficiently while supporting both guest comfort and long-term environmental priorities. The role combines strategic planning with operational involvement and requires someone comfortable living and working on-site in a remote setting.
• This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for the reliability, safety, and sustainability of infrastructure and technical systems across a large, remote hospitality and conservation environment.

Minimum Requirements
Essential

• Qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience in a senior maintenance or engineering leadership role.
• Strong understanding of off-grid utilities and sustainable systems (solar, water treatment, waste management).
• Proven people leadership experience with technical teams.
• Solid planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Willingness to live on-site in a remote environment and provide out-of-hours support when required.

Desirable

• Experience in hospitality, eco-resorts, lodges, or remote operational environments.
• Familiarity with conservation-led or environmentally sensitive operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure and facilities
• Ensure all buildings, guest areas, staff accommodation, and communal facilities are well maintained through preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Oversee civil works, upgrades, and repairs in line with environmentally sensitive construction principles.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and statutory requirements.
• Utilities and technical systems
• Manage off-grid and hybrid power systems, including solar PV, generators, and battery storage.
• Oversee water infrastructure, including boreholes, purification, storage, and recycling systems.
• Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and core IT infrastructure.
• Fleet and equipment
• Ensure servicing and operational readiness of vehicles and heavy equipment, including 4x4s, tractors, and specialist machinery.
• Maintain tools, pumps, generators, and reserve-wide mechanical systems.
• Team leadership
• Lead, develop, and schedule a multidisciplinary maintenance team (electricians, plumbers, technicians, general maintenance staff).
• Set clear standards, manage performance, and ensure effective emergency response capability.
• Sustainability and conservation support
• Work closely with conservation and operations teams to reduce energy and water consumption.
• Monitor system performance and identify efficiency improvements aligned with sustainability goals.
• Budgeting and procurement
• Prepare and manage the annual maintenance budget.
• Oversee procurement, stock control, and asset management, balancing cost, durability, and environmental impact.
• Health and safety
• Enforce occupational health and safety standards.
• Identify risks and implement preventative controls to protect staff, guests, and wildlife.