Contract Manager - Estate Protection

SUMMARY:
An Internal Vacancy exists for a Contract Manager in the EPS Division based in Mpumalanga, Hectorspruit â€¯â€¯â€¯ 
 
The suitable candidate’s main responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

POSITION INFO:
Leadership & Management of Security and APU Teams

• Manage, lead, and coordinate all security personnel and the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU).
• Ensure 24/7 coverage of all designated zones within the reserve, including shift planning, patrol deployment, and emergency standby rotations.
• Train and mentor team members to uphold discipline, operational efficiency, and ethical standards.
• Maintain readiness and morale of all teams in line with conservation and security goals.

• Oversee and enforce all access control protocols at reserve gates.
• Ensure accurate logging of vehicle and personnel entry and exit.
• Implement and audit visitor and contractor clearance procedures.
• Prevent unauthorized access and manage high-risk entry scenarios.

• Direct and supervise all anti-poaching efforts to safeguard wildlife and prevent illegal activity.
• Conduct risk assessments, deploy patrol strategies, and react to threats in real time.
• Work closely with law enforcement and conservation bodies to share intelligence and support prosecution when needed.
• Maintain daily records and incident reports for wildlife interactions, incursions, or suspicious activities.

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with the reserve’s primary client, private owners, and visiting guests.
• Ensure guest and owner safety through visible presence, quick response to security queries, and discreet vigilance.
• Provide professional support during incidents or emergencies, ensuring minimal disruption to the guest experience.

• Safeguard all buildings, fences, roads, and physical assets of the reserve.
• Monitor and prevent incidents of theft, vandalism, or damage to property.
• Oversee the correct usage, storage, and inventory management of all security and APU equipment, including:

• • Firearms and ammunition
  • Radios and communication gear
  • Surveillance technology
  • Patrol vehicles and field gear

• Maintain a strict inventory of all issued firearms and ammunition.
• Ensure compliance with firearm regulations and company SOPs.
• Oversee regular firearm inspections, cleaning, and reporting.
• Lead or facilitate competency training and license renewals as required.

• Implement and enforce the fire prevention policy of the reserve.
• Coordinate firebreak maintenance, early detection systems, and emergency response planning.
• Train staff on fire awareness and response drills.
• Liaise with local fire authorities and neighbouring reserves on joint response protocols.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, reserve regulations, and all relevant legislation.
• Submit accurate reports, including:

• Daily activity logs
• Incident and response records
• Equipment and inventory audits
• Monthly performance and risk assessments

• Contribute to the long-term development of the reserve’s security and conservation strategy.
• Identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions that enhance operational integrity.
• Support other departments with integrated planning and coordination (e.g., maintenance, hospitality, environmental teams).

• Minimum of 5–10 years of security management experience, preferably in a game reserve, conservation, military, or law enforcement environment.
• Proven experience in managing an Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) or conservation protection teams.
• Experience working in remote or rural locations with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of wildlife protection, bush tactics, and counter-poaching operations.

• Matric / Grade 12 (minimum requirement).
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Security Management, Nature Conservation, Law Enforcement, or similar (advantageous).
• Firearm competency certificate (business use) – must be up to date.
• PSIRA registration – Grade B or higher.
• Valid Driver’s License with off-road experience (Code B or EB); PDP is an advantage.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of South African legislation related to wildlife, firearms, and protected areas.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability, especially in crisis situations.
• Competent in writing incident reports, investigations, and operational planning.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written – able to engage with staff, clients, landowners, and authorities professionally.
• Ability to build relationships with law enforcement, conservation authorities, and local communities.

• High level of integrity, discipline, and accountability.
• Ability to work long hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Physically fit and mentally resilient for fieldwork and high-pressure scenarios.
• Committed to wildlife conservation and guest safety.
• Willingness to live on-site at the reserve (accommodation usually provided).