Operations Manager

The Talent Room; George; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

The Talent Room seeks an experienced Centre Operations Manager to plan, direct, and optimise the activities of the portfolio. You will oversee leasing contracts, procure services, supervise third-party providers, and maintain buildings, grounds and equipment in line with safety regulations.

Key responsibilities include policy development, facilities maintenance, HVAC and BMS oversight, contractor coordination, OHS compliance, security planning, budgeting, tenant relations and staff development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations management, facilities management for commercial/retail centres.
• Experience with budget development, forecasting and cost control.
• Strong leadership with staff supervision and performance appraisal skills.
• Background managing third-party service providers and maintenance contracts.
• Knowledge of OHS regulations and building/facility compliance.
• Excellent conflict resolution, tenant liaison and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to make quick, sound operational decisions in emergencies.
• Proven track record in executive KPI reporting to senior management.

Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-term operational plans and budgets with senior management.
• Oversee day-to-day facilities operations, repairs, maintenance, and tenant works.
• Direct HVAC, generators, water systems, lifts, fire systems and BMS oversight.
• Procure and coordinate third-party contractors and service providers.
• Ensure OHS compliance and maintain safety records and inspections.
• Assess security risks, plan emergency responses, and coordinate security.
• Monitor costs against budgets and manage invoices and expenditure.
• Manage tenant relations, handle complaints, and coordinate site emergencies.
• Provide supervision, objective setting and performance reviews for Centre staff.
• Compile KPI, foot-traffic, expense and security reports for senior management.

Skills

Operations management

Facilities management

Budgeting

Leadership

Contractor management

Education

Senior/Established Career Level

Tools

HVAC systems

Building Management System (BMS)

Generators

Water systems

Job description

Description:

Responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Portfolio. Oversees leasing contracts, procures services, handles third party service contracts, and directs maintenance procedures. Ensures that all buildings, grounds, and equipment are well maintained and in optimal working condition. Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and ensures that all operations are in accordance with established health and safety regulations. Ensures that services purchased are of acceptable quality at the least possible cost. Keeps Senior Management well informed of area activities and significant problems. Trains, directs, and appraises assigned personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Planning & Policy: Develop short- and long-term operational plans, goals, and budget projections with Senior Management; establish and review Centre operational policies and procedures for maximum efficiency.


• Facilities & Maintenance Management: Oversee day-to-day facilities operations, building repairs, maintenance disciplines, and tenant installation / small project management.


• Mechanical & Technical Services: Direct and manage HVAC, emergency generators, pumps, irrigation, water management, lifts, fire systems, and Building Management Systems (BMS).


• Contractor & Vendor Oversight: Procure, negotiate, and coordinate third-party contractors and daily service providers (security, cleaning, waste/refuse removal, hygiene, pest control, and landscaping).


• OHS & Regulatory Compliance: Enforce compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, municipal bylaws, and building regulations; conduct regular safety inspections and maintain compliance records.


• Security Management: Assess security risks, establish emergency response plans, coordinate security systems and guard deployment, and liaise with SAPS and local authorities.


• Financial & Cost Control: Monitor operating costs against budgets, process contractor orders and invoices, and track building expenditure schedules.


• Tenant & Stakeholder Relations: Manage operational leasing obligations, resolve tenant complaints promptly, respond to site emergencies, and promote positive corporate relations.


• Staff Supervision & Development: Provide daily direction, objective setting, task allocation, and performance appraisals for assigned Centre personnel.


• Executive Reporting: Compile and present KPI, Manco, foot-traffic, expense, and security incident reports to Senior Management.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in operations management, facilities management, or commercial/retail centre management (Senior/Established Career Level).


• Strong knowledge of building maintenance, tenant installations, and mechanical systems (HVAC, generators, water systems, fire protection, and BMS).


• Thorough working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and statutory building/facility regulations.


• Demonstrated background managing third-party service providers, cleaning, security, and maintenance contracts.


• Strong financial acumen with experience in operational budget compiling, forecasting, and expense control.


• Proven team leadership capabilities with experience in staff supervision, performance appraisals, and task delegation.


• Excellent conflict resolution, tenant liaison, and negotiation skills.


• Ability to handle emergency situations, make sound operational decisions under pressure, and compile executive KPI reports.