Maintenance Manager

We are looking for a hands‑on, experienced and highly organised Maintenance Manager
The Maintenance Manager is responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance, preventative maintenance, safety and general upkeep of the lodge, staff areas, grounds, equipment and infrastructure.

A key responsibility of this position is to lead, manage and develop a team of 8 maintenance staff. The successful candidate must be a confident and positive leader who is able to delegate effectively, set clear expectations, hold team members accountable and ensure that work is completed efficiently and to the required standard.

This is a practical, hands‑on position requiring someone who is technically skilled, solution‑oriented, proactive, organised and able to lead a team while working collaboratively with the wider management team.

The successful candidate must take ownership of the maintenance department and have the ability to identify problems, find solutions and ensure that the lodge is maintained to the high standards expected of a 5‑star lodge with minimal disruption to guests and operations.

Duties

• Manage the maintenance team so that all duties are executed: cleaning and maintaining the lodge and grounds, inside and outside.
• Executing maintenance and preventative maintenance on all appliances and buildings (air conditioners, geysers, plumbing, electrical, pools, decking, water plant, French drains, lodge fence, fire break and so forth).
• Training of staff and making sure that their duties are carried out correctly and according to health and safety standards (documenting the training for Skills Development).
• Maintaining Firefighting equipment and ensuring that the fire risk to the lodge is kept to the absolute minimum. Documented Fire Plans and Fire Drills for Insurance Requirements and according the the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Manage all the stock, tools and spares in such a way to ensure that items don't go missing and so that everything is neat and tidy - no time wasted looking for tools.
• Sherry and phone divert duty on certain nights.
• Manage lodge security (we have a night watchman; when he goes on leave, a maintenance attendant fills the position for that period)
• Assist with vehicle maintenance / arrange with the mechanic for repairs that we cannot do ourselves.
• Keeping the guides and trackers busy on the days that they do not have guests. They form part of the maintenance team on these days, unless they have duties to do in their own department.
• Upkeep of the solar plant and ensuring that the panels and surrounding areas are clean.
• Helping out in different departments where and when needed.
• Executing emergency maintenance after hours when needed.
• Stock takes at the end of each month.

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Qualifications / Skills Required

• Proven experience in maintenance management and team leadership, preferably within a lodge, hotel, resort or similar hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of approximately 8 staff members.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to delegate, guide, motivate and hold staff accountable.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work professionally with HODs and staff across different departments.
• Strong practical knowledge of electrical, plumbing and general building maintenance.
• Experience with air-conditioning systems, geysers, pumps, pools and water systems would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of solar systems and basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Good understanding of preventative maintenance.
• Good organisational and stock‑control skills.
• A strong understanding of workplace health and safety, firefighting and first aid.
• The ability to troubleshoot problems and find practical solutions.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative.
• A…