Head of Corporate Real Estate Services Operations - Africa

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consumer goods company in Johannesburg seeks a Head of CRES Operations to manage and optimize facilities management services across the Africa region. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of management experience in facilities management, focusing on stakeholder relationships and operational efficiency. You will ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and lead sustainability initiatives. Join us to make a significant impact in a values-driven organization.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years management experience in a facilities management related function.
• Strong experience in managing FM services across multiple locations.
• Understanding of CRES performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety obligations.
• Lead delivery of sustainability targets.

Skills

Stakeholder management

FM services management

Effective communication

Change management

Self-motivated

Job description

About us

As the home of iconic brands such as Baileys, Guinness, Smirnoff, and Johnnie Walker, at Diageo we source, produce, and deliver 6.5 billion litres of world‑leading products every year across 180 markets globally. Because of this huge undertaking, we rely on highly sophisticated systems as well as the very best talent to make sure our businesses continue to run efficiently.

About the Function

The Global Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) portfolio consists of a mixture of office locations, supply and manufacturing sites, and land – 120 offices and 130+ supply sites (breweries, distilleries, packaging and bottling sites, brand homes) totaling 100m sq. feet. We run an outsourced/thin client model, with Regional CRES teams that are aligned with our markets and a Global Centre of Excellence.

Purpose of the Role

The Africa region currently covers 9 countries, with 9 offices, 12 manufacturing sites, plus some land/other sites. The Head of CRES Operations is pivotal in delivering excellence across our estate, and is responsible for the following in region:

Outstanding Relationships

• Develop and maintain trusted, productive relationships with business and market collaborators, Global/Regional CRES teams, and key personnel at Facilities Management (FM) and other partners.
• Actively participate in stakeholder and team meetings, contributing subject‑matter expertise and insight.
• Build strong networks to gain market intelligence and function as an ambassador for CRES in the region, regularly showcasing successes and innovations through effective stakeholder engagement.

CRES Facilities Management Performance & Outcomes

• Ensure IFM(Integrated Facilities Management) and operational delivery optimises cost, carbon, and workplace experience in line with Diageo's Brand Standards.
• Be responsible for all FM activities, including maintenance, fire safety, mechanical and electrical systems, help desk services, minor projects, moves and changes and environmental safety compliance.
• Own and manage IFM Opex budgets for the region, driving efficiencies and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Coordinate site operations to maintain continuity of property services with minimal disruption to Diageo's business operations, including local Landlord engagement.
• Ensure full compliance with supplier systems and Diageo's processes to meet health and safety obligations.
• Lead delivery of sustainability targets across waste, water, and carbon.
• Design, develop and deliver FM programmes to support consolidation, change, or growth initiatives, including the rollout of our Workplace Brand Standards.

Team and Third Parties

• Supervise and optimise delivery of key supplier FM contracts, ensuring business needs are met and value is maximised.
• Lead day‑to‑day operational issues and customer concerns, ensuring effective resolution and continuous improvement.

Governance, Risk, Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Share, embed, and codify standard methodologies in CRES activities across the region.
• Ensure full compliance with CRES standards and policies, taking ownership of all regional Health & Safety and FM risks.
• Measure and report on FM metrics to Regional CRES and other key partners.
• Establish steering groups within markets and hold them accountable for governance, decision‑making, and successful delivery of change projects.

In this role, success will be achieved through exceptional stakeholder relationships, operational delivery that optimises cost, carbon and workplace experience, and a relentless focus on seamless service and efficiency. You will lead with both strategic foresight and operational rigor, ensuring our workplaces enable the best of Diageo today and into the future.

CRES Excellence:

Our purpose at Diageo is to Celebrate Life, Everyday, Everywhere. Our Diageo ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company in the world. Our Diageo CRES mission to help enable our ambition by creating inclusive and balanced workplaces that enhance connections and inspire our colleagues to do their best work. We do this by Living Our Values and Dial Up Behaviours.

• Be Externally Curious
• Collaborate Efficiently
• Experiment and Learn
• Act Decisively

Entry Level Requirements - Capabilities, Skills & Experience:

• Ability to align with and influence key partners with potentially conflicting priorities and to effectively connect with/challenge senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience of managing FM services across a range of buildings / locations - offices and supply.
• At least 5-10 years management experience in FM related function.
• Experience in and / or a good understanding of Diageo or equivalent organisation.
• Highly self‑motivated and pro‑active with effective communication skills.
• Proven track record in an ability to work with others, both within CRES and across an organisation.
• Proven track record in change and programme management.
• Experience in the strategic management of FM services and suppliers across markets.
• Understanding of Supplier and CRES FM performance metrics and communication thereof.
• Experience of managing regional Sustainability programmes/targets across the CRES lifecycle.
• Awareness and management of CRES Risk and governance.

Diversity Statement:

Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And crafting an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this. We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you'll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You'll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, attitudes, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you.