Infrastructure and Maintenance Manager (Conservancy)

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

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