MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Luxury 5-Star Safari Lodge | Waterberg Biosphere, Limpopo

A rare opportunity for an experienced technical professional to take ownership of the engineering, maintenance and operational integrity of an exceptional luxury safari destination.

My client is an exclusive, high-end safari lodge operation situated within the Waterberg Biosphere in Limpopo. The property combines luxury accommodation, extensive guest facilities and remote bush infrastructure, requiring a Maintenance Manager who is equally comfortable with sophisticated technical systems, hands-on maintenance and the realities of remote lodge operations.

This is a live-in, senior operational position suited to a technically qualified, highly practical and solutions-driven Maintenance Manager who takes genuine pride in ensuring that everything works flawlessly — often without the guest ever knowing that maintenance has taken place.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The successful candidate will assume overall responsibility for the maintenance, preventative maintenance, safety and operational reliability of a substantial luxury lodge environment encompassing multiple accommodation facilities, luxury canvas suites, cabins, private villas, pools and hot tubs, conference and dining facilities, staff accommodation, workshops, stables, grounds and extensive reserve infrastructure.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the property's critical infrastructure operates reliably and safely, including:

• Solar PV, battery storage and inverter systems

• Backup diesel generators

• Boreholes, filtration and water purification systems

• Pressure pumps and hot-water systems

• Black/grey water and septic systems

• HVAC and electrical infrastructure

• Swimming and plunge pools and wood-fired hot tubs

• Luxury canvas accommodation and timber structures

• 4x4 safari vehicles and utility fleet

• Tractors, trailers and other machinery

• Game fencing, roads, drainage and bridges

• Fire safety infrastructure and equipment

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintenance & Infrastructure

• Lead and execute daily maintenance across the entire property.

• Conduct proactive inspections and identify potential failures before they affect guests.

• Maintain timber decks, balustrades, walkways, canvas structures and associated infrastructure.

• Ensure pools, hot tubs, pumps, heaters and water systems remain fully operational.

• Maintain electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC systems.

Power, Water & Utilities

• Manage off-grid/hybrid power infrastructure including solar, batteries, inverters and generators.

• Oversee borehole extraction, filtration, purification and water-pressure systems.

• Ensure reliable hot-water delivery through gas and solar systems.

• Maintain wastewater, septic and environmentally responsible treatment systems.

Fleet & Machinery

• Manage preventative servicing and emergency repairs across the safari and utility fleet.

• Ensure game-drive vehicles are safe, reliable and operational every day.

• Maintain tractors, trailers and other heavy machinery and equipment.

Grounds, Safety & Conservation Infrastructure

• Oversee game and perimeter fencing, including electrified fencing.

• Maintain roads, drainage, bridges and erosion-control infrastructure.

• Implement and maintain fire-safety systems, firebreaks, firefighting equipment and fuel-storage compliance.

Preventative Maintenance, OHS & Compliance

• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Schedule.

• Ensure compliance with South African OHS legislation, environmental requirements and internal safety standards.

• Conduct daily morning inspections and ensure defects are resolved before they become guest-facing problems.

Leadership & Budget Management

• Lead, motivate, schedule and develop a maintenance team comprising technical and grounds personnel.

• Manage external specialist contractors and service providers.

• Control maintenance budgets, purchasing, inventory and critical spare-parts stock.

• Ensure appropriate technical resources are available despite the remote operating environment.

Guest Service

Maintenance in a luxury safari environment must be professional, discreet and virtually invisible.

The successful candidate will respond to guest-related maintenance requirements with urgency, courtesy and discretion while ensuring that repairs do not compromise the tranquillity or luxury experience of the property.

The position also participates in a 24/7 emergency call rotation for critical operational or guest requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Trade qualification / Artisan status — Qualified Electrician, Plumber, Millwright, Mechanical or Civil Technician preferred.

• Valid Code 8 / EB Driver's Licence.

• PDP advantageous.

• Valid First Aid certification.

• Sound knowledge of OHS compliance.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' senior maintenance / technical management experience.

• Luxury 4/5-star lodge, resort, hospitality or remote bush experience strongly preferred.

• Proven practical experience with:

  • Solar and inverter systems

  • Backup diesel generators

  • Boreholes and water filtration

  • Water purification systems

  • Timber structures and decking

  • Luxury tented accommodation

  • Pool chemistry and pumping systems

  • 4x4 safari vehicles or similar fleet

  • Mechanical and general property maintenance

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You will be a hands-on technical leader, not simply an administrator.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is exceptionally practical and resourceful.

• Can diagnose and resolve problems in a remote bush environment.

• Has a genuine passion for preventative rather than reactive maintenance.

• Possesses an exceptional eye for detail.

• Understands that a luxury lodge cannot compromise on aesthetics, safety or reliability.

• Is an effective leader and mentor who enjoys developing local team members.

• Communicates confidently and professionally.

• Is comfortable dealing with contractors and specialist service providers.

• Understands the importance of discretion around high-profile guests.

• Is prepared to be hands-on when circumstances demand it.

• Has strong English communication skills; Afrikaans is advantageous.

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

Live-in position | Waterberg Biosphere, Limpopo

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

• On-site single or couple's accommodation

• Meals on duty

• Laundry

• 3 weeks on / 1 week off bush rotation, subject to contract terms

WHY THIS ROLE?

This is an opportunity for a technically strong Maintenance Manager to become an integral part of an exceptional luxury safari operation where engineering excellence directly supports the guest experience.

If you are the type of technical professional who notices the small things before they become big things, enjoys solving complex problems with limited resources, and takes personal pride in keeping a luxury property operating at an exacting standard, this could be an excellent career opportunity.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit to: Attention – Butch Mollett | Email: gordon@zjr.co.za" rel="noopener noreferrer">gordon@zjr.co.za

1. Your updated CV, clearly detailing relevant maintenance, technical, hospitality/lodge and remote-site experience.

2. A recent professional Head & Shoulders photograph.

3. Your current contact details.

4. Details of your qualifications, trade certification and driver's licence.

Only candidates meeting the minimum technical and experience requirements will be considered.

Reference: Maintenance Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge

Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment