Facilities & Grounds Manager

University of Fort Hare; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A lifestyle and retirement village operator is seeking a Facilities & Grounds Manager in Somerset West. The role involves overseeing the maintenance and presentation of external gardens and facilities, managing a team, and ensuring quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have horticultural qualifications, leadership skills, and the ability to communicate in English and Afrikaans. Flexible working hours are a requirement.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Afrikaans.
• Solid administration and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and motivate Grounds and Gardens team.
• Oversee landscaping and maintenance of external facilities.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety practices.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Leadership skills

Communication in English and Afrikaans

Attention to detail

Education

Horticultural qualification or groundsman accreditation

Matric

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Overview

Somerset West: My client, an esteemed lifestyle and retirement village operator, is seeking to employ a dedicated Facilities & Grounds Manager with horticultural expertise and proven managerial experience in an estate environment. Purpose of the Role: To oversee the upkeep, presentation, and maintenance of the estate’s exterior gardens, common areas, and facilities. Responsible for managing the Grounds and Gardens team, ensuring landscaping standards, minor repairs, and general estate maintenance are carried out effectively and safely.

Responsibilities

• Supervising and motivating the Grounds and Gardens team in daily operations
• Overseeing landscaping, gardening, and exterior facilities maintenance
• Conducting regular inspections to ensure quality, safety, and presentation standards
• Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety practices, including training for equipment, spraying, and machinery use
• Coordinating contractors working on grounds, gardens, and leisure areas
• Managing stock levels of materials and supplies, and reporting requirements to management
• Scheduling and coordinating staff shifts to ensure optimal coverage
• Providing hands-on support with horticultural and facilities tasks when necessary
• Responding to resident queries or concerns regarding grounds services
• Reporting maintenance issues and recommending improvements to management

Qualifications

• Matric
• Horticultural qualification or relevant groundsman accreditation
• Previous experience in an estate, lifestyle village, or retirement environment advantageous
• Strong leadership and people management skills with a supportive, approachable manner
• Excellent communication skills in English and Afrikaans
• Solid administration and organisational abilities
• Good computer literacy
• High attention to detail, with a proactive, hands-on approach
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
• Valid driver’s licence