South Africa: Assistant Lodge Manager / Maintenance Manager posted by HotelJobs

Lodge Assistant Manager / Maintenance Manager Couple. Assistant Lodge Manager Specs. 5* Game Lodge Zambezi River Malawi Assistant Lodge Manager The Lodge Manager will play a key role in ensuring every guest leaves the Lodge with an unforgettable experience. Skills & Qualifications: Proven Leadership: 5+ years of experience in lodge management or high-end hospitality, with a focus on creating unforgettable guest experiences. Strong Communication: Excellent ability to communicate with guests, staff, and external partners. Must be personable, empathetic, and diplomatic. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding of local customs and traditions to ensure respectful guest experiences. Team Management: Experience in leading, training, and inspiring a diverse team to deliver outstanding service. Foster strong professional relationships with other managers at the Lodge. Crisis Management: Ability to calmly handle emergencies and ensure staff and guests are well-informed about safety protocols. First Aid Certified: Up-to-date first aid certification is required, with a readiness to handle any medical incidents on-site. Maintenance Manager specs: 5* Game Lodge – Liwonde National Park Malawi Skilled and proactive hands on Maintenance Manager to lead all maintenance operations across the property. Hands on multi skilled profile; diesel mechanic, fabrication, generator systems, solar, fleet management, and lodge infrastructure The role requires someone with: Strong hands-on mechanical and diesel experience, boats experience able to personally handle vehicle, generator, and boat repairs or supervise them with high level of knowledge. Broader technical range including plumbing, construction, welding/fabrication, and solar/hybrid power systems. Proven experience in remote or off-grid lodge environments, where the manager isnt just supervising but physically resolving technical problems. This position is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and performance of the Maintenance Department, ensuring that all infrastructure, vehicles, boats, generators, equipment, and utilities are maintained to the highest standard. The Maintenance Manager plays a critical role in ensuring operational reliability, minimizing downtime, and safeguarding the guest experience. The successful candidate will drive a culture of preventive maintenance, efficient resource use, and pride in workmanship directly contributing to the lodges reputation for excellence. Key Responsibilities: 1. Leadership & Department Management Lead and manage a maintenance team of approximately 40 staff, including the Assistant Maintenance Manager, Storeman, and Heads of Department (Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical). Provide clear guidance, set performance expectations, and foster accountability at every level. Conduct on-the-job training and promote skills upliftment, ensuring continuous improvement in technical standards and workmanship. Motivate the team, build strong morale, and maintain a professional and disciplined work culture. Instill a culture of quality control, ensuring all work is checked, verified, and meets lodge standards before sign-off. 2. Preventive Maintenance & Asset Care Oversee all mechanical and technical maintenance, ensuring vehicles (safari and non-safari), boats, generators, and equipment are serviced on schedule and in optimal condition. Maintain detailed service records for all assets and ensure adherence to preventive maintenance schedules. Implement systems that minimize reactive repairs, breakdowns, and operational disruptions. Monitor the correct use of tools, spare parts, and consumables, reinforcing accountability in the workshop. 3. Inventory & Stock Control Manage the central maintenance store and ensure adequate stock of critical spares, service parts, and fuel (diesel, petrol, paraffin). Maintain accurate logs for stock movement, fuel usage, and parts consumption. Draft all maintenance-related procurement requests and ensure cost-effective sourcing of materials. Conduct periodic stock audits to ensure transparency and control. 4. Fuel & Consumption Monitoring Track and report monthly on: Vehicle fuel consumption Generator fuel consumption Overall site usage of diesel, petrol, and paraffin Identify and investigate discrepancies or unusual consumption patterns promptly. 5. Scheduling & Coordination Work closely with Lodge and Camp Management to plan and schedule maintenance tasks with minimal impact on guest activities. Ensure maintenance teams are prepared, punctual, and responsive within tight operational windows. Prioritize tasks effectively, balancing preventive work with urgent repairs. 6. Waste Management & Workshop Standards Oversee the lodges waste management system, ensuring responsible disposal and transport of non-incinerable waste off-site. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workshop environment at all times. Continuously improve back-of-house standards to reflect professionalism and pride in the maintenance function. 7. Procurement & Technical Support Support the procurement of maintenance equipment, tools, and materials in coordination with the General Manager. Actively assist in identifying and sourcing specialized items for mechanical, electrical, and construction needs. 8. Emergency Response & Guest Interaction Be available to respond to maintenance emergencies when on-site, including after hours. Participate in back-of-house guest tours when required, representing the lodges operational excellence. Key Qualities & Competencies Proactive leadership with a hands-on management style. Strong technical aptitude across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and waste management systems. Excellent organizational and reporting skills. Strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Commitment to preventive maintenance, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement. High standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Qualifications & Experience Technical trade qualification or background strongly preferred (Mechanical, Electrical, or related). Minimum 5 years practical maintenance management experience, ideally in a remote lodge, resort, or camp environment. Proven track record in team leadership, preventive maintenance planning, and stock control. Sound understanding of mechanical and electrical systems used in off-grid or hybrid power environments. Location Salary is NETT Paid in US $$$ – After ALL Deductions – with Accommodation, Meals and Med Aid Flights: One annual round-trip airfare to Johannesburg Accommodation: Provided at the Game Lodge Meals: All meals provided Medical Cover: Scheme: Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) Coverage: In-country and international Please Note – While all applications are valuable, well reach out directly to candidates who best meet the clients requirements.