Infrastructure And Maintenance Manager (Conservancy)

MANAGER - INFRASTRUCTURE & MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTIONOur 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 SUMMARYTo 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 RoleDUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESInfrastructure & Maintenance Strategy DevelopmentContribute to the Conservancy's long-term sustainability goalsDevelop and implement long-term plans for infrastructure modernization and maintenance that align with climate goals and environmental resilienceDevelop and seek approval for a five-year strategic plan for infrastructure upgrades that integrates sustainability principles and projected technological advancementsEnsure 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 upgradesImprove accessibility on trails and modernize existing facilities to meet sustainability goals.Infrastructure ManagementComprehensively 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 elementsEnsure 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 ManagementResource and Asset Management: Manage resources, including inventory of maintenance supplies, cleaning supplies, and paper products, and place orders where appropriate through the procurement processOversee the proper upkeep of capital and physical assets, including tracking and recording of all maintenance supplies, tools, and partsDevelop and routinely update a comprehensive Conservancy asset management plan with routine checks, servicing, and repairs for machinery, HVAC, and electrical systemsManage inventory effectively and ensures resources are available when needed to reduce downtime and support in better budgeting and resource allocationManage the maintenance budget, including cost estimation, expenditure tracking, and vendor contract negotiations.Project and Contractor ManagementLead all maintenance and infrastructure projects, from scoping and budgeting to supervising contractors for construction and development projectsSupport collaborative and creative approaches to new designs and building works.Team Leadership and ManagementDrive 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 valuesFacilitate training to drive proficiency and competence in the various aspects of the functional areaFoster high performance and conduct performance development programs.Participate actively in the recruitment and development of infrastructure team membersCoach 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 plansManage the budget allocated for infrastructure operations responsibly, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocationTrack 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 biodiversityDevelop and enforce safety protocols and compliance strategies to ensure a secure working environment.Safety and ComplianceEnsure a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitorsMaintain a high standard of safety across all infrastructure and maintenance activities, adhering to all relevant regulations and policiesConduct regular safety audits, implementing safety protocols for equipment use and facility access, and providing necessary training to staffMaintain zero recordable safety incidents related to infrastructure or maintenance operations annually.Stakeholder CollaborationEffectively 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 initiativesConduct 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 ExcellenceMaintain knowledge in the department, keeping it up to date with the latest training practices, trends, and technologyModel best practices in maintenance and infrastructure activities in order to ensure maintenance of top-notch performanceUpdate job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizationsEnsure customer satisfaction by leading the collaborative development of service level agreements, adhering to those agreements and monitoring costs, quality and timelinessMaintain quality service by establishing and enforcing Conservancy standards and valuesProvide regular reporting on the performance of assigned roles weekly, monthly, quarterly and as may be required and as per statutory requirementsDrive functional operational efficiency through management of the assigned budgets and align resource utilization to ensure relevance of use and cost containment practices are in placeUtilize 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 timeRegularly 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 ProfileSKILLS KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREDA 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 OutreachCertifications 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 supervisorsExperience in planning, budget development, and working with various stakeholdersStrong background in facilities or site with strong project management skillsStrong contractor management skills with excellent problem-solving skillsStrong leadership abilities with experience supervising diverse teams Experience with health and safety regulations and groundskeepingDeep understanding of maintenance principles and infrastructure managementStrong experience in infrastructure governance, planning, and finance, as well as infrastructure delivery and impactsExpertise 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 operationsA 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 regulationsCompetence in maintaining and repairing conservancy buildings, staff accommodation, visitor centers, and other structures, with knowledge of structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and general upkeepUnderstanding of water infrastructure, including boreholes, pumping systems, and irrigationStrong time management with the ability to prioritize and delegate effectivelyAbility to allocate resources efficiently and ensure tasks are completed to the required standardDecisive and able to make quick and informed decisions, especially in unforeseen circumstances, to maintain operational continuity and safetyAbility to analyze situations rapidly, weighing risks and benefits, and acting confidentlyAbility 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 knowledgeEffective communication and interpersonal skillsKnowledge 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 resilienceStrong in recognizing the interconnectedness of various infrastructure components and their impact on the Conservancy's overall ecological and operational systemsInnovative with the ability to proactively explore and validate innovative approaches and technology solutions to address challenges within the conservancyExcellent organizational skills, with emphasis on priorities and goal setting.What's on Offer?
A role that offers a breadth of learning opportunitiesLeadership RoleCreativity & Innovation