South Africa: Maintenance Manager – Ultra-Luxury Lodge – Karoo, Western Cape | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Lodge-Based Role: Maintenance Manager – Ultra-Luxury Big 5 Game Reserve (Western Cape) Location: Private Big 5 Game Reserve, Ceres / Karoo region, Western Cape Salary: Highly negotiable (based on experience; bonus buy-out possible for start before end of 2025) Accommodation / Meals: Live–in (on-site accommodation & meals provided) Work Cycle: 3 weeks on / 1 week off Role Overview An exclusive, ultra-luxury Big 5 game reserve is seeking a proactive, skilled Maintenance Manager to lead their technical and facility operations. This pivotal role requires a senior professional with significant lodge or resort experience, exceptional technical breadth (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, vehicles), strong leadership and organisational capabilities, and a keen eye for maintaining five-star luxury standards in a remote safari environment. Key Requirements Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Maintenance Manager in a luxury lodge/hotel/reserve environment (preferably Big 5, 5★ or higher). Trade qualification or strong technical competency in electrical, plumbing, carpentry or HVAC systems. Demonstrated experience managing all infrastructure: guest accommodation, staff housing, vehicles/plant, power, water, HVAC, kitchen & back-of-house systems. Previous work in luxury/safari lodge style setting with high guest service and presentation standards. Leadership experience: able to supervise a maintenance team, manage contractors/suppliers, and drive preventative maintenance programmes. Excellent organisational, budgeting and reporting skills. Stable employment history preferred — candidates displaying frequent job-hopping may be deprioritised. Valid driver’s licence; willingness to live onsite in a remote bush environment. Responsibilities Develop and manage a comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance schedule covering all lodge facilities, vehicles and equipment. Lead and mentor the maintenance team; coordinate external contractors/suppliers and ensure high service standards. Ensure guest areas, staff accommodation, vehicles, equipment and utility infrastructure (power, water, plumbing, HVAC) are maintained to luxury standards and fully functional at all times. Monitor, report on and control the maintenance budget; identify cost-efficient strategies without compromising guest experience. Maintain health & safety compliance, lodge maintenance records, vehicle and plant logs, and ensure SOPs are followed. Conduct regular inspections of guest areas, plant rooms, vehicles, outdoor infrastructure and coordinate repairs/upgrades as required. Support lodge management in major capital projects or refurbishments and ensure minimal disruption to guest operations. Collaborate across departments (operations, housekeeping, guest services) to maintain seamless lodge delivery and uphold brand standards. What’s on Offer A live-in role at one of the Western Cape’s new ultra-luxury safari lodges, with high service and presentation benchmarks. Three-week on / one-week off rotation, balancing operational focus and rest. Accommodation and meals included as part of the package. A highly negotiable salary reflective of your seniority, luxury background and technical breadth, plus a bonus buy-out option for candidates able to commit before December 2025 (proof of current bonus/13th cheque scheme required). The chance to join a brand-new property and contribute significantly to its standards, reputation and guest journey from launch. TO APPLY: Please submit your up-to-date CV, contactable references, and a recent head-and-shoulders photograph ASAP. Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.