Fleet Manager

One of South Africa’s premier safari destinations, is seeking an experienced Fleet Manager to oversee the operational readiness of our mixed fleet of 19 vehicles. This includes Land Rover Defenders including Puma’s (1997–2016), Ford Rangers, Nissan NP300s, Mahindra Scorpio, and a New Holland tractor. The role is handson, requiring strong technical expertise, organisational discipline, and a passion for maintaining reliability in a remote bush environment.

Role Purpose The Fleet Manager will be responsible for the mechanical upkeep, service scheduling, and operational performance of all vehicles and plant equipment across all company properties.

Key Responsibilities

 Maintain a live service schedule for all vehicles, tracking mileage, service intervals, and next service dates.  Conduct and oversee routine services, preventative maintenance, and mechanical repairs.  Diagnose and repair diesel engines (Land Rover Defender 2.2/2.4 Puma’s and TDI’s, Ford Ranger 2.2, Nissan NP300).

 Manage tyre stock, battery replacements, brake servicing, and drivetrain maintenance.  Maintain accurate logbooks and condition reports for each vehicle.  Oversee parts procurement, supplier relationships, and workshop inventory.  Coordinate with external specialists and service centres in Hoedspruit when required.

 Ensure all vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with relevant regulations.  Produce monthly fleet reports and manage the maintenance budget.  Supervise and develop maintenance staff or assistants where applicable.  Liaise with camp managers to prioritise and schedule fleet work.  Provide updates in weekly operational meetings.

Requirements

 Qualified diesel mechanic (trade test certificate or equivalent), or proven equivalent experience.  Minimum 5 years handson mechanical experience, preferably in a game lodge, farm, or remoteoperations environment.  Demonstrable expertise with Land Rover Defender diesel variants.  Strong fault diagnosis skills and ability to work independently.

 Valid Code 10 (EC) driver’s licence.  Willingness to live on the reserve and respond to afterhours callouts. Advantageous:  Experience with tractors and road maintenance equipment.  Previous experience managing a multivehicle fleet with formal reporting.  Computer literacy (spreadsheets and basic reporting).

Benefits

Benefits

 Competitive, marketrelated package commensurate with experience.  Livein accommodation on the reserve.  All meals provided.  Use of reserve vehicles for work purposes.  Annual leave as per BCEA.  Opportunity to work in one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations.