Maintenance Supervisor (Facilities)

University of Fort Hare; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare seeks a Maintenance Supervisor to oversee daily maintenance and gardening teams, ensuring high-quality work and safety compliance. You will plan schedules, liaise with contractors, manage tools, and support staff with technical issues on-site in Somerset West.

The role requires strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, with fluency in English and Afrikaans and a valid driver’s license. Experience in similar roles is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education with a technical diploma preferred.
• Experience in maintenance, gardening, and irrigation required.
• Proficient in English and Afrikaans with basic MS Office skills.
• Ability to lead a team and manage schedules and safety checks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily maintenance and gardening teams and assign tasks.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritise work with the Estate Manager.
• Inspect facilities, sign off completed work, and arrange repairs.
• Ensure OHSA safety compliance and site safety inspections.
• Liaise with contractors and manage stock, tools, and inventory.

Skills

Fluent English

Afrikaans

IsiXhosa (benefit)

Staff management

Leadership

Planning & organising

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

OHSA safety knowledge

MS Office

Education

Grade 12

Technical diploma

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An established and well-maintained retirement village in Somerset West is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor who will be responsible for overseeing daily operations and staff to ensure productivity and adherence to company standards.

Key duties include managing employee schedules and tasks, quality assurance checks on all work carried out by staff, stock and procurement management and acting as a liaison between employees and senior management.

The supervisor is also responsible for all maintenance and repairs for both the buildings and gardening equipment and irrigation systems.

Key Performance Areas

Staff Management

• Oversees work assigned maintenance and gardening team
• Addresses minor discipline problems, refer serious cases to Estate Manager
• Plan and prepare training of new team members

Maintenance and Gardens

• Evaluates facilities for repairs
• Plan and prioritise work schedules with Estate Manager
• Obtain supplies and tools
• Collaborate with team members to plan upcoming work assignments
• Assist team members with technical issues
• Inspect and sign off on work carried out
• Conduct routine inspections of the site and note any items for repair
• Liaise with contractors on site
• Ensure work is carried out safely in line with the OHSA
• Conduct regular inspections of the site and check all team members are doing as instructed
• Conduct regular inspections of the workshop, Paint shop and garden shed to ensure they are kept neat and tidy
• Carry out regular inspections of the gardens, laws areas, catchpits and stormwater channels to ensure they are being well maintained
• Regular tool and inventory checks
• Available after hours for emergencies
• Carry out any repairs required to equipment (both the Maintenance and gardening equipment)
• Carry out any required repairs to irrigation systems
• Instruct and guide team members on how to carry out a required job

Skills and Experience

• Proficient in English & Afrikaans (isiXhosa is an added benefit)
• Ability to impart knowledge and show initiative
• Work independently
• Lead by example and problem solve promptly and efficiently
• Ability to manage, lead, plan, organise and communicate effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effectively manage staff
• Ability to work well within a team
• Computer literate - MS Office basic
• General knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance - 3 years
• Garden maintenance and irrigation experience and knowledge - 3 years
• Experience in a similar role is required

Requirements

• Grade 12 and preferably a technical diploma
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable own transport
• Live within close proximity to the estate within the Helderberg region
• Clean credit record and criminal background