Maintenance Manager at Tamarind Group

We are seeking an experienced, hands on Maintenance Manager to oversee maintenance operations across several restaurant outlets in Nairobi. The role is responsible for ensuring all facilities, equipment, and utilities are safe, compliant, well maintained, and operating efficiently, while leading and developing the maintenance team and supporting restaurant operations.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations

• Oversee and coordinate all preventive and corrective maintenance activities across multiple restaurant outlets.
• Ensure optimal functioning of kitchen equipment, refrigeration, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, gas, and general building infrastructure.
• Develop, implement, and monitor preventive maintenance schedules and maintenance SOPs.
• Respond promptly to emergency maintenance issues to minimize downtime and operational disruption.
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify defects, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, asset registers, and service logs.

People Management & Training

• Lead, supervise, and manage maintenance personnel, ensuring productivity, accountability, and high performance.
• Identify training needs and provide continuous coaching and skills development for maintenance staff.
• Train restaurant staff and equipment users on the safe and proper use of machinery and equipment to reduce breakdowns, misuse, and safety incidents.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to health and safety standards at all times.

Equipment & Technology Management

• Source new equipment, tools, and spare parts in line with operational needs and budget approvals.
• Evaluate, recommend, and support procurement of new machinery and equipment for new openings, replacements, or upgrades.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, industry trends, and equipment innovations in the hospitality and restaurant sector.
• Advise management on equipment lifecycle management, upgrades, and cost effective solutions.

Compliance, Budget & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, fire, and statutory regulations across all outlets.
• Manage the maintenance budget, control costs, and approve requisitions for spare parts and external services.
• Supervise and coordinate external contractors and service providers, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Work closely with restaurant managers to plan maintenance activities with minimal disruption to operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in maintenance management, preferably in hospitality, restaurants, or multisite operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and building systems.
• Proven experience in people management and staff training.
• Solid understanding of health, safety, and local regulatory requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Hands on, proactive, and solution oriented approach
• Excellent planning, organizational, and cost control skills
• High attention to detail and safety awareness