Technical Service Manager

Job description

The Technical Services Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of all technical and maintenance operations across a portfolio of five safari camps, with the central operational base located at Kapani, Mfuwe, South Luangwa.

This role requires a highly skilled and experienced technical professional with strong all-round expertise in workshop management, preventative maintenance systems, infrastructure upkeep, fleet maintenance, solar and electrical systems, refrigeration, and remote camp technical support.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity, safety compliance, asset longevity, and the efficient performance of all camp facilities, vehicles, equipment, and technical infrastructure across the region.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

 1. Technical Operations Management

• Oversee all maintenance and technical operations across five remote safari camps.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all camp infrastructure, equipment, and technical systems.
• Ensure all camps remain operationally efficient and technically compliant.
• Respond effectively to technical breakdowns and emergency maintenance issues to minimise operational disruptions.

2. Electrical & Solar Systems Management

• Manage and maintain all camp electrical systems.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of solar power systems, battery banks, inverters, and backup power systems.
• Conduct fault finding and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure all electrical installations and systems comply with operational safety standards.

3. Refrigeration & Cold Chain Management

• Supervise the maintenance and servicing of refrigeration systems, cold rooms, freezers, ice machines, and air-conditioning units.
• Ensure reliable cold chain management to support food and beverage operations across all camps.
• Coordinate external specialist contractors and technical support where necessary.

4. Fleet & Equipment Maintenance

• Oversee servicing, repairs, and preventative maintenance scheduling for safari vehicles, utility vehicles, generators, pumps, engines, boats, and outboard motors where applicable.
• Ensure workshop procedures and maintenance records are accurately maintained.
• Monitor equipment performance, utilisation, and lifecycle management.

5. Workshop & Stores Management

• Manage the central workshop operations at Kapani Camp.
• Supervise workshop staff and technical maintenance teams.
• Ensure all workshop tools, equipment, and facilities are properly maintained and safely operated.
• Implement and monitor stock control systems for technical spares, consumables, and maintenance materials.
• Liaise closely with procurement regarding ordering, logistics, and replenishment of technical supplies.

6. Infrastructure & General Maintenance

• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of guest rooms, lodge facilities, staff housing, decking, camp structures, plumbing systems, water reticulation systems, sewer systems, and camp access infrastructure.
• Coordinate refurbishment projects, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements where required.
• Ensure camp facilities consistently meet operational and safety standards.

7. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance operations comply with company safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Promote safe workshop and maintenance practices across all camps.
• Conduct routine inspections, risk assessments, and preventative safety checks.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and management of fuels, oils, gas, batteries, and hazardous materials.

8. Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, service records, and technical documentation.
• Prepare monthly technical and maintenance reports.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for maintenance operations.
• Monitor maintenance expenditure and implement cost-efficiency measures where possible.

 Experience, Qualifications and Competencies:

• Technical qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, Refrigeration, or a related technical field preferred.
• Trade certification advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar technical management role.
• Experience working in remote lodge, hospitality, safari, mining, or construction environments preferred.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary maintenance operations.
• Strong working knowledge of solar systems, inverter technologies, electrical installations, refrigeration systems, diesel engines, generators, pumps, plumbing systems, and general infrastructure maintenance.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• High level of organisation, planning, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in remote environments.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Practical, hands-on approach with a high level of integrity and accountability.
• Valid driver’s licence essential.
• Willingness to travel regularly between camps and work in remote bush environments.