Mpumalanga: Contract Manager – Estate Protection

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager – Estate Protection to lead our security and Anti-Poaching Unit teams in managing the safety and conservation of our game reserve. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring 24/7 coverage, training and mentoring team members, and maintaining readiness and morale. They will also oversee access control, gate operations, wildlife protection, and anti-poaching efforts, while building strong relationships with clients, owners, and guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, lead, and coordinate all security personnel and the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU)
• Ensure 24/7 coverage of all designated zones within the reserve, including shift planning, patrol deployment, and emergency standby rotations
• Train and mentor team members to uphold discipline, operational efficiency, and ethical standards
• Maintain readiness and morale of all teams in line with conservation and security goals
• Oversee and enforce all access control protocols at reserve gates
• Ensure accurate logging of vehicle and personnel entry and exit
• Implement and audit visitor and contractor clearance procedures
• Prevent unauthorized access and manage high-risk entry scenarios
• Direct and supervise all anti-poaching efforts to safeguard wildlife and prevent illegal activity
• Conduct risk assessments, deploy patrol strategies, and react to threats in real time
• Work closely with law enforcement and conservation bodies to share intelligence and support prosecution when needed
• Maintain daily records and incident reports for wildlife interactions, incursions, or suspicious activities
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with the reserve’s primary client, private owners, and visiting guests
• Ensure guest and owner safety through visible presence, quick response to security queries, and discreet vigilance
• Safeguard all buildings, fences, roads, and physical assets of the reserve
• Monitor and prevent incidents of theft, vandalism, or damage to property
• Oversee the correct usage, storage, and inventory management of all security and APU equipment

Requirements

• Experience & Background: Minimum 10 years of security management experience, preferably in a game reserve, conservation, military, or law enforcement environment
• Proven experience in managing an Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) or conservation protection teams
• Experience working in remote or rural locations with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of wildlife protection, bush tactics, and counter-poaching operations

Qualifications

• Education & Qualifications: Matric / Grade 12 (minimum requirement)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Security Management, Nature Conservation, Law Enforcement, or similar (advantageous)

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Not specified
• Benefits: Not specified