Technical Services Manager | East Africa Lodge Group | Lv

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and highly capable Technical Services Manager to oversee the fleet, workshop and property maintenance requirements of a luxury lodge group operating across East Africa. Based at the companys Nairobi workshop, this is a senior, hands-on role that will involve regular travel to the various lodges. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the management and maintenance of a fleet of approximately 150 vehicles, while also supporting the technical, engineering and back-of-house maintenance requirements across the lodge portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a practical and solutions-driven technical professional who is comfortable managing complex operations in remote environments and understands the importance of preventative maintenance, operational continuity and high standards within the luxury hospitality industry. Key Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Nairobi workshop and technical services department Manage the maintenance, servicing and repair of a fleet of approximately 150 vehicles Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all vehicles, machinery and equipment Ensure fleet servicing, repairs, inspections and licensing are completed timeously Monitor vehicle performance, breakdowns, fuel usage and maintenance costs Manage workshop staff, mechanics, technicians and external service providers Maintain accurate service histories, maintenance records, job cards and asset registers Oversee the procurement and management of spare parts, tools, tyres and workshop consumables Manage workshop budgets and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs Ensure vehicles and equipment are safe, reliable and suitable for remote lodge operations Travel regularly to the lodges to inspect facilities, assess maintenance requirements and support on-site teams Oversee back-of-house maintenance relating to electrical, plumbing, water, waste, refrigeration, generators, solar systems, air-conditioning and general building infrastructure Assist lodge teams with planned, preventative and reactive maintenance programmes Coordinate refurbishments, installations and technical projects across the portfolio Manage contractors, suppliers and specialist technicians where required Ensure all technical projects are completed within agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards Support lodge openings, renovations and infrastructure upgrades Identify potential operational risks and ensure contingency plans are in place for critical equipment and systems Establish consistent technical standards and procedures across all properties Train and mentor workshop and lodge maintenance teams Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, environmental standards and company policies Provide regular technical, financial and operational reports to senior management Requirements Relevant technical qualification in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Facilities Management or a related field Strong experience managing a large workshop or vehicle fleet Previous responsibility for a substantial fleet, ideally including 4x4 vehicles, safari vehicles, trucks and support vehicles Sound knowledge of diesel and petrol engines, vehicle diagnostics, servicing and repairs Experience managing preventative maintenance programmes, budgets, inventory and procurement Broad technical understanding of lodge or hospitality infrastructure, including generators, water systems, plumbing, electrical systems, refrigeration, solar installations and general building maintenance Previous experience within remote lodges, conservation operations, hospitality or tourism environments would be highly advantageous Strong project management and contractor management experience Proven leadership and team management skills Excellent administrative, reporting and organisational ability Computer literate and comfortable working with fleet management and maintenance systems Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout East Africa Valid drivers licence Excellent spoken and written English The ideal candidate will be practical, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to balance workshop management, fleet reliability, lodge maintenance and long-term infrastructure planning. They should be equally comfortable working with senior management, leading technical teams and resolving urgent operational challenges in remote locations.