Maintenance Manager – Student Residence Live Out

Bright Placements; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements is seeking a Maintenance Operations Manager to lead all maintenance activities for a large student residence. You will supervise technicians, electricians, plumbers, and general workers, while coordinating with external contractors and suppliers to uphold safety, quality, and cost controls.

Responsibilities include budgeting, asset management, and ensuring compliance with OHSA and local regulations, along with delivering a high standard of resident comfort and safety in a

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field.
• Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous.
• Minimum 5-8 years’ relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management.
• Experience managing large residential, hospitality, or student accommodation facilities.
• Proven experience managing teams and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance across the residence.
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance requests for rooms and common areas.
• Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule.
• Maintain asset registers and equipment lifecycle plans.
• Manage maintenance staff and contractors; allocate work and monitor performance.
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and local regulations; health and safety duties.
• Oversee building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, generators).
• Support resident experience with timely, professional maintenance responses.
• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and compliance documentation.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Planning & Organisation

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

High-pressure environment

Education

Engineering degree

Facilities Management degree

Building Services degree

Job description

To lead and manage all maintenance operations across a large student residence (approximately 1600 rooms), ensuring that facilities, infrastructure, and equipment are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard to support an optimal living and learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations Management

• Oversee all planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance across the residence
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance requests (rooms, common areas, plant equipment)
• Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule
• Maintain asset registers and equipment lifecycle plans

Team Leadership

• Manage and supervise maintenance staff (e.g., technicians, electricians, plumbers, general workers)
• Allocate work, monitor performance, and ensure productivity targets are met
• Conduct training, toolbox talks, and skills development
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures

Contractor & Supplier Management

• Appoint and manage external contractors and service providers
• Oversee maintenance projects, refurbishments, and upgrades
• Ensure contractors meet quality, cost, and safety standards
• Manage SLAs and service delivery performance

Budget & Cost Control

• Prepare and manage the maintenance budget
• Monitor expenses and control costs without compromising quality
• Source quotations and approve procurement within authority limits
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and efficiencies

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and building regulations
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments
• Maintain fire safety systems, emergency equipment, and evacuation readiness
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and any local regulations

Facilities & Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, generators, water systems)
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure
• Manage utility usage and sustainability initiatives (water, electricity, waste)

Resident Experience Support

• Ensure rooms and communal spaces are well-maintained and functional
• Support quick turnaround for room readiness during student intakes/exits
• Respond to escalated maintenance complaints professionally
• Work closely with residence management to enhance the resident experience

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and compliance documentation
• Provide regular reports on maintenance performance, costs, and risks
• Use maintenance systems (e.g., "CAFM or ticketing systems") to track work orders

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field
• Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years’ relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management
• Experience managing large residential, hospitality, or student accommodation facilities preferred
• Proven experience managing teams and contractors

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of building systems and maintenance practices
• Leadership and people management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Budget management and financial acumen
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Good communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, reactive environment