Maintenance Manager | Luxury Lodge | Private Reserve Near Hoedspruit | Lv

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and hands-on Maintenance Manager to join a luxury lodge operation situated on a private reserve near Hoedspruit. This is a senior operational role responsible for overseeing all maintenance functions across the property, ensuring that the lodge remains safe, fully operational and maintained to an exceptional standard at all times. The successful candidate will manage the maintenance team, oversee contractors and suppliers, implement preventative maintenance programmes and ensure that all projects and day-to-day maintenance requirements are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Key Responsibilities Oversee all day-to-day lodge maintenance operations. Ensure the property remains safe, functional, presentable and maintained to luxury hospitality standards. Manage and support the maintenance team. Plan; implement and monitor a comprehensive preventative maintenance programme throughout the year. Manage approved maintenance projects and provide regular progress updates to senior management. Oversee contractors, suppliers and external service providers. Monitor maintenance requests and ensure tasks are completed timeously. Escalate urgent maintenance concerns or operational risks to management immediately. Maintain detailed servicing and maintenance records for lodge equipment and assets. Ensure fire, health and safety procedures are communicated and followed by the team. Oversee the maintenance and presentation of swimming pools, ponds and water features. Ensure maintenance storerooms are kept neat, organised and properly controlled. Oversee the general exterior condition and cleanliness of the lodge, including high-level areas and fittings. Manage entertainment equipment and relevant subscriptions where required. Ensure damaged furniture and fittings are repaired promptly and to an appropriate standard. Ensure roads, pathways and parking areas are well maintained and coordinate any required repair work. Monitor and control departmental budgets and operating costs. Maintain a positive and productive working environment within the maintenance team. Plan and implement regular training and development for team members. Manage team rosters to ensure effective operational coverage. Maintain high standards of staff presentation, professionalism and conduct. Address HR-related matters in conjunction with Human Resources. Work closely with Heads of Department and senior management on operational and project requirements. Provide technical and maintenance support across departments when required. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding guests and lodge operations. Requirements Matric. Relevant Mechanical; Electrical or recognised trade qualification . Minimum 10 years' experience in a similar maintenance environment ; with at least 3 years at management level . Previous experience within a luxury lodge, game reserve or high-end hospitality environment is highly advantageous. Strong technical and practical maintenance knowledge. Experience managing teams, contractors and suppliers. Good understanding of preventative maintenance planning. Strong budgeting and cost-control awareness. Computer literate, including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Strong leadership and people-management skills. Excellent decision-making and delegation abilities. Strong attention to detail. Good administrative and organisational skills. Excellent communication skills. Valid South African driver's licence. Willing and able to work extended hours when operationally required. Comfortable living and working in a remote lodge environment. Personal Attributes The ideal candidate will be: Hands-on; practical and solutions-focused. Reliable and highly organised. A confident leader who leads by example. Calm and decisive under pressure. Detail-oriented and quality-driven. Cost-conscious and commercially aware. A strong communicator. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a broader management team. Professional; discreet and guest-focused.