93 Maintenance Manager jobs in Kenya

MANAGER - INFRASTRUCTURE & MAINTENANCE
INTRODUCTION
Our Client is a 45,520-acre wildlife conservancy located in Laikipia that integrates conservation, regenerative land management, livestock production, and tourism, in order to have a meaningful and positive impact on its wider community. By collaborating with neighboring private and community conservancies, and broader stakeholders in Laikipia, the Conservancy seeks to create and sustain a biodiverse and connected landscape that benefits both people and nature.

Job Summary
To support its vision, the Conservancy is seeking to recruit a Manager - Infrastructure & Maintenance. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and infrastructural needs of the Conservancy, and will play a crucial role in supporting the Conservancy's overall mission, aligned to wildlife conservation, visitor experience, as well as infrastructural operations. The Manager - Infrastructure & Maintenance will have oversight of all infrastructure, maintenance and project management activities and will ensure the efficient and safe functioning of the Conservancy's facilities and equipment. S/he will oversee all aspects of infrastructure and maintenance, which will include but not be limited to roads, dams, fences, buildings, electricity and water supply systems.

The Manager - Infrastructure & Maintenance will lead turnkey projects from scoping and budgeting to supervising contractors for all construction and development projects. S/he will be a strong leader capable of managing multi-disciplinary teams, with strong financial prudence ability, to collaborate effectively, and with a strong appreciation for conservancy landscapes and sustainability and environmental compliance. S/he will lead the effective management, maintenance, and development of physical assets and facilities, as well as the successful execution of programs and activities related to the Conservancy's mission. S/he will have a strong background in engineering, facilities and site management, as well as a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, ensuring operational efficiency, infrastructure development and safety.

The Role
Duties & Responsibilities
Infrastructure & Maintenance Strategy Development

• Contribute to the Conservancy's long-term sustainability goals
• Develop and implement long-term plans for infrastructure modernization and maintenance that align with climate goals and environmental resilience
• Develop and seek approval for a five-year strategic plan for infrastructure upgrades that integrates sustainability principles and projected technological advancements
• Ensure the Conservancy's operations are efficient, and its mission is supported through robust and sustainable infrastructure.
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of new infrastructure projects or significant upgrades
• Improve accessibility on trails and modernize existing facilities to meet sustainability goals.

Infrastructure Management

• Comprehensively manage and maintain the Conservancy's infrastructure, including roads, dams, fences, buildings, and electricity and water supply systems
• Lead the implementation of strategic site plans, including the development of new facilities and or other attraction elements
• Ensure the site is safe and maintained to high standards for staff, volunteers, and visitors, complying with relevant health and safety legislation and licensing regulations.

Maintenance Management

• Resource and Asset Management: Manage resources, including inventory of maintenance supplies, cleaning supplies, and paper products, and place orders where appropriate through the procurement process
• Oversee the proper upkeep of capital and physical assets, including tracking and recording of all maintenance supplies, tools, and parts
• Develop and routinely update a comprehensive Conservancy asset management plan with routine checks, servicing, and repairs for machinery, HVAC, and electrical systems
• Manage inventory effectively and ensures resources are available when needed to reduce downtime and support in better budgeting and resource allocation
• Manage the maintenance budget, including cost estimation, expenditure tracking, and vendor contract negotiations.

Project and Contractor Management

• Lead all maintenance and infrastructure projects, from scoping and budgeting to supervising contractors for construction and development projects
• Support collaborative and creative approaches to new designs and building works.

Team Leadership and Management

• Drive the establishment of an effective team structure and operating model to support the infrastructure operations
• Supervises and lead a team of staff, technicians, and volunteers, fostering a positive and motivating environment and culture aligned to the Conservancy mission and values
• Facilitate training to drive proficiency and competence in the various aspects of the functional area
• Foster high performance and conduct performance development programs.
• Participate actively in the recruitment and development of infrastructure team members
• Coach mentor and support team leads to drive competence and efficiency.

Budgeting And Financial Management

• Drive financial prudence through strong financial acumen, including the creation and management of departmental budgets, controlling operational costs, and ensuring cost-effective completion of projects assigned as aligned to the strategic and functional work plans
• Manage the budget allocated for infrastructure operations responsibly, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation
• Track expenditures, identify opportunities for cost saving and prepare accurate financial reports.

Sustainability And Environmental Compliance

• Manage functional areas taking into consideration the environmental impact of operations and strive for high levels of sustainability and onsite biodiversity
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and compliance strategies to ensure a secure working environment.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors
• Maintain a high standard of safety across all infrastructure and maintenance activities, adhering to all relevant regulations and policies
• Conduct regular safety audits, implementing safety protocols for equipment use and facility access, and providing necessary training to staff
• Maintain zero recordable safety incidents related to infrastructure or maintenance operations annually.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with various internal departments, external suppliers, and contractors as required
• Liaise with local authorities, funding bodies, and other heritage organizations where applicable.
• Foster strong relationships with relevant country and national government agencies, community groups, and external partners to ensure alignment and support for infrastructure initiatives
• Conduct listening tours with stakeholders, build broad coalitions, and ensure that projects are justice-oriented and beneficial to all communities on infrastructure projects, incorporating their feedback into project design.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain knowledge in the department, keeping it up to date with the latest training practices, trends, and technology
• Model best practices in maintenance and infrastructure activities in order to ensure maintenance of top-notch performance
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
• Ensure customer satisfaction by leading the collaborative development of service level agreements, adhering to those agreements and monitoring costs, quality and timeliness
• Maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing Conservancy standards and values
• Provide regular reporting on the performance of assigned roles weekly, monthly, quarterly and as may be required and as per statutory requirements
• Drive functional operational efficiency through management of the assigned budgets and align resource utilization to ensure relevance of use and cost containment practices are in place
• Utilize data and research to inform decisions and report on progress. Conduct benchmarking analyses, assess current fleet composition, and develop tools for cost modeling and tracking results over time
• Regularly report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for infrastructure projects, demonstrating progress towards established goals and identifying areas for improvement.

Any Other Duties As Required By Management.
Ideal Profile
Skills Knowledge & Experience Required

• A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, Business Management, or closely related fields Specialized certifications and training in Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Land Management, Project and Data Management, Environmental Education and Outreach
• Certifications in commercial pesticide application, pervious concrete installation, or even specialized training in areas like rainwater harvesting or green building are beneficial.
• At least ten (10) years' work experience as a maintenance and Infrastructure Manager or similar role in a conservancy set up or similar set up with 5 years managing maintenance and infrastructure teams including supervisors
• Experience in planning, budget development, and working with various stakeholders
• Strong background in facilities or site with strong project management skills
• Strong contractor management skills with excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership abilities with experience supervising diverse teams
• Experience with health and safety regulations and groundskeeping
• Deep understanding of maintenance principles and infrastructure management
• Strong experience in infrastructure governance, planning, and finance, as well as infrastructure delivery and impacts
• Expertise in energy security, energy transition, and energy access, including understanding energy markets, clean energy supply chains, and mechanisms for transitioning to sustainable energy systems, as well as ensuring reliable energy access for all operations
• A strong background in the maintenance and repair of diverse facilities common in conservancy operations, including diagnostic skills, knowledge of spare parts management, and familiarity with relevant safety regulations
• Competence in maintaining and repairing conservancy buildings, staff accommodation, visitor centers, and other structures, with knowledge of structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and general upkeep
• Understanding of water infrastructure, including boreholes, pumping systems, and irrigation
• Strong time management with the ability to prioritize and delegate effectively
• Ability to allocate resources efficiently and ensure tasks are completed to the required standard
• Decisive and able to make quick and informed decisions, especially in unforeseen circumstances, to maintain operational continuity and safety
• Ability to analyze situations rapidly, weighing risks and benefits, and acting confidently
• Ability to coach and mentor the team while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and support to develop team members' skills and knowledge
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of climate change impacts, mitigation strategies, and nature conservation principles, including an understanding of evidence-based approaches, international agreements, and mechanisms for promoting low-carbon growth and climate resilience
• Strong in recognizing the interconnectedness of various infrastructure components and their impact on the Conservancy's overall ecological and operational systems
• Innovative with the ability to proactively explore and validate innovative approaches and technology solutions to address challenges within the conservancy
• Excellent organizational skills, with emphasis on priorities and goal setting.

What's on Offer?

• A role that offers a breadth of learning opportunities
• Leadership Role
• Creativity & Innovation

• Develop and execute comprehensive facilities maintenance strategies, including preventative and corrective maintenance plans.
• Oversee the daily operations of all facility maintenance activities, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Manage and lead a team of maintenance staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.) are operating efficiently and safely.
• Manage vendor contracts, including negotiation, selection, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage the facilities maintenance budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Oversee space planning, renovations, and capital improvement projects.
• Implement and manage pest control and janitorial services.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs.

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in facilities management and maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience managing building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety).
• Strong knowledge of maintenance best practices, safety regulations, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in budget management and vendor contract negotiation.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage remote teams and operations.
• Certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM) are a plus.

• Develop and implement comprehensive installation and maintenance strategies to ensure maximum equipment uptime and performance.
• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of installation projects for new equipment and systems.
• Manage preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
• Lead and mentor a team of field technicians, supervisors, and engineers, ensuring high performance and adherence to standards.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, controlling costs while ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement processes to ensure availability of necessary components.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for installation and maintenance activities.
• Utilize CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) for work order management, asset tracking, and performance analysis.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert guidance to the maintenance team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training needs for the team.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and procurement teams to optimize equipment performance and reliability.
• Stay current with advancements in maintenance technologies and best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field), Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in installation and maintenance management, with a strong track record of leading technical teams.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale installation projects and diverse maintenance operations.
• In-depth knowledge of maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution methodologies.
• Proficiency with CMMS software and other relevant technical management tools.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage remote teams effectively and drive performance.
• Experience in budget management and cost control.
• Ability to analyze data and implement data-driven improvements.
• Strong negotiation skills with vendors and service providers.

• Developing and executing preventative and reactive maintenance plans for all assigned facilities.
• Managing and supervising a team of maintenance technicians and third-party contractors.
• Overseeing the repair and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural components.
• Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Managing maintenance budgets, controlling costs, and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Conducting regular site inspections to assess the condition of facilities and identify potential issues.
• Coordinating with property managers and tenants to address maintenance requests and concerns promptly.
• Procuring necessary parts, materials, and equipment for maintenance operations.
• Developing and implementing emergency response plans for facility-related incidents.
• Utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track work orders, manage assets, and generate reports.
• Providing technical guidance and support to maintenance staff.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in facilities maintenance technology and best practices.
• Negotiating contracts with vendors and service providers.
• Contributing to capital improvement projects and ensuring effective execution.