General Manager

Berkeley Group Plc; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property group in South Africa, Gauteng, seeks a highly motivated Operations Manager for its new BTR development. This role includes overseeing daily operations while driving a positive work culture and exceptional resident experience. The ideal candidate will have proven success in operational management and team leadership in the build to rent sector. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and generous leave policies, making it a great place to work.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Private Medical Insurance

Access to an online discount platform

Private pension plan

Group life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational management, ideally within the build to rent/living sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across the BTR development.
• Lead and motivate the on-site team, fostering a positive culture.
• Manage the scheme’s operating budget ensuring financial performance.

Skills

Operational management experience in the build to rent sector

Strong leadership skills

Budget management experience

Exceptional communication skills

Commitment to customer experience

Job description

Berkeley Living is a dedicated rental offering from the Berkeley Group, combining five decades of expertise in creating high-quality homes and communities with a forward-looking approach to modern living.

Established to redefine the rental experience, Berkeley Living delivers homes of exceptional design and craftsmanship, supported by an unwavering commitment to service, care, and attention to detail. Our developments are located within established, well-connected Berkeley communities, ensuring residents enjoy not only beautifully designed apartments but also thoughtfully curated public spaces, amenities, and excellent transport links.

Every element has been considered to provide a seamless, stress-free experience, where flexibility meets the reassurance of a trusted and responsible landlord. At the core of Berkeley Living is a belief that renting should be as effortless as it is rewarding.

We remove complexity, anticipate needs, and foster welcoming environments where individuals can feel truly at home.

In doing so, we set a new benchmark for renting – one that prioritises quality, integrity, and excellence at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead the operations on a brand new BTR scheme due to open in Spring.

This role will oversee the delivery and day to day operations across one of our BTR developments.

You will be responsible for driving your team to ensure seamless operational delivery and create a first‑class resident experience.

You will have overall responsibility for the operations and performance of the BTR community which will include the following:

• Operations
  • Develop and implement operational plans to ensure the efficient day‑to‑day running of the scheme.
  • Lead, motivate, and support the on‑site team, fostering a positive culture with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional development.
  • Oversee recruitment, induction, and ongoing training in line with company policies.
  • Collaborate with central support teams to deliver outstanding customer service and resident engagement initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong local partnerships and community relationships.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives aligned with Berkeley’s Vision.
  • Strategy, including effective void utility management.
  • Conduct bi‑annual apartment visits to ensure lease compliance and identify maintenance needs.
  • Ensure unit turnover processes meet agreed SLAs.
  • Work closely with the estate management team to coordinate operations across the wider development.
• Finance
  • Manage and monitor the scheme’s operating budget, ensuring financial performance and value for money.
  • Hold regular performance reviews with maintenance, marketing, and leasing teams, driving continuous improvement.
  • Ensure timely rent collection and manage arrears in line with company policy, escalating where legal action is required.
• Health & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with statutory legislation, working closely with the H&S and Compliance Manager.
  • Oversee reactive maintenance, ensuring issues are correctly allocated and resolved promptly.
  • Enforce H&S policies, ensuring all contractors follow safe systems of work.
  • Conduct regular building inspections, addressing safety or security concerns with central support teams.
• Leasing & Marketing
  • Collaborate with central leasing and marketing managers to ensure seamless communication and delivery.
  • Support the Leasing Manager and team in conducting viewings, ensuring the "Berkeley Living" standard is upheld.
  • Monitor and respond to all incoming enquiries in line with service levels.
  • Ensure compliance with local licensing requirements, maintaining all necessary documentation.
  • Proactively manage lease breaches, overseeing remediation and escalation where needed.
• Customer Service
  • Represent the Berkeley Living brand by delivering exceptional service to residents, visitors, and contractors.
  • Foster open communication with residents across multiple channels, supporting a strong sense of community.
  • Host regular resident meetings, sharing updates, addressing concerns, and gathering feedback.
  • Deliver the Resident Engagement Strategy, ensuring clear communication of building and fire safety information.
  • Oversee resident events to strengthen engagement and retention.
  • Actively seek ways to exceed expectations, driving positive feedback and reviews.
  • Act as the escalation point for complaints, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience in operational management, ideally within build to rent / Living sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.
• A collaborative mindset with exceptional communication skills.
• A commitment to sustainability, safety, and delivering outstanding customer experiences.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing with service to 33 days. Health and wellbeing benefits including Private Medical Insurance. Lifestyle benefits including access to an online discount platform. Berkeley Foundation volunteer day. Private pension plan. Group life assurance.

Internal applicants

If you're an internal applicant, please ensure you've informed your line manager of your intention to apply for this position.