Head, Strategic Space Management & Design

Standard Bank Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading African financial services provider is seeking a Head of Strategic Space Management & Design to lead the development and implementation of strategic space planning. You will manage large real estate portfolios while ensuring alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and managing financial planning within real estate. This role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Qualifications

• More than 10 years experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Experience in managing budgets and financial planning in real estate.
• Experience working across multiple regions or countries.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic space planning and workplace management.
• Align workplace strategies with business objectives.
• Drive improvements in space utilisation and operational efficiency.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Financial planning

Analytical skills

Project management

Real estate principles

Education

Degree in Business Commerce

Degree in Real Estate / Property Management

Degree in Interior Design

Job description

Head, Strategic Space Management & Design

Standard Bank Group is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career‑enhancing opportunities.

Our clients range from individuals to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions.

We're passionate about creating growth in Africa and delivering meaningful value to our clients and communities.

Overview

Lead the development and implementation of Standard Bank's strategic space planning and workplace management, ensuring a sustainable, cost‑efficient, and optimised real estate portfolio.

Align workplace strategies with business objectives, foster stakeholder relationships, drive improvements in space utilisation, operational efficiency, and employee productivity across markets, and ensure design standards are met.

Qualifications

A Degree in Business Commerce, Generic Management, Real Estate / Property Management or Planning, Interior Design, or a related field.

Experience Required

• More than 10 years demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management at senior levels within a corporate environment.
• Experience in managing budgets, financial planning, and cost control within a real estate or facilities management context.
• Experience in risk management, regulatory compliance, and embedding standards across a real estate or workplace function.
• Experience working across multiple regions or countries, understanding regional market dynamics and regulatory environments.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience in real estate, workplace management, or facilities management, with a proven track record of developing and implementing strategic space planning and workplace optimisation initiatives.
• Extensive experience managing large, complex real estate portfolios and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Preference for experience in User Experience Design, Workplace Design, and Workplace Transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• In‑depth knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and market trends.
• Comprehensive understanding of workplace strategy, design, and technology.
• Strong knowledge of facilities management principles and best practices.
• High strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Understanding of financial principles related to real estate and budgeting.
• Knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise effectively.

Behavioural Competencies

• Articulating Information
• Checking Things
• Convincing People
• Developing Expertise
• Developing Strategies
• Establishing Rapport
• Examining Information
• Exploring Possibilities
• Making Decisions
• Meeting Timescales
• Producing Output
• Seizing Opportunities

Technical Competencies

• Automation
• Building Engineering
• Compliance
• Continuous Process Improvement
• Environmental Management
• Ergonomics
• Financial Acumen
• Financial Analysis
• Management Accounting
• Managerial Budgeting
• Occupant Services
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Process Governance
• Project Management
• Project Planning
• Project Reporting
• Project Resourcing
• Quality Management
• Real Estate Management
• Risk Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Space Planning
• Stakeholder Management
• Statistical & Mathematical Analysis