Operations Manager - Property Industry

ARVO; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

ARVO in Brackenfell, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of day-to-day property operations and maintenance of a commercial site.

The role focuses on on-site leadership, tenant relations, contractor oversight, safety compliance and budget monitoring, with 24/7 on-call readiness for emergencies.

You will work with a facilities team to ensure safe, efficient operation and high service standards.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate is essential.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Management, Property Management or related qualification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in property operations, facilities management or a similar operational property role.
• Strong understanding of commercial building infrastructure and preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge of OHS requirements, property legislation, relevant regulations and building codes.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors and external service providers.
• Experience dealing directly with tenants and resolving operational issues.
• Strong understanding of service contracts and property maintenance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily property operations and maintenance to high standards.
• Be the on-site primary contact for tenants and service providers.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, inspections and repairs.
• Manage contractors and third-party service providers.
• Ensure OHS compliance and safety across the site.
• Maintain accurate logs and reports on maintenance activities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Management, Property Management

Job description

Operations Manager

Location: Brackenfell
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: R600,000 – R750,000 CTC per annum, depending on experience and expertise

Job Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a commercial property in Brackenfell.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands‑on property professional who enjoys independence, accountability and ownership. You will be the dedicated representative on site, acting as the primary point of contact for tenants, contractors and service providers, while being supported by a broader property and facilities team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the property operates safely, efficiently and to a high standard, while maintaining strong tenant relationships and overseeing maintenance, service delivery, compliance and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Property Operations & Maintenance

• Conduct regular property inspections, identifying maintenance issues and building defects across common areas, HVAC systems, pumps, fencing, roads, electrical infrastructure and other critical assets.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, servicing and repairs across the property.
• Oversee generator functionality, servicing, diesel management and related reconciliations.
• Coordinate inspections and servicing of critical equipment, including generators and fire systems.
• Manage servicing requirements for gutters, windows, roller shutters, air conditioning and other building infrastructure.
• Support tenant move‑ins, move‑outs and handovers in conjunction with the Property Manager.
• Coordinate and oversee tenant fit‑outs and renovations alongside the relevant project teams.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment, attic stock, maintenance activities and repairs.
• Assist with minor hands‑on maintenance requirements where appropriate.
• Oversee recycling and sustainability initiatives on the property.

Tenant & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary on‑site contact for tenants, responding to and resolving operational queries, complaints and requests.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with tenants and service providers.
• Coordinate and monitor third‑party contractors responsible for security, cleaning, pest control, access control, landscaping and other soft services.
• Conduct regular spot checks to ensure service providers are delivering against agreed standards.
• Coordinate subcontractor activities through the Facilities Administrator and relevant internal teams.

Reporting & Administration

• Report to the Senior Facilities Manager and Property Manager on property condition, operational matters, service delivery and projects.
• Maintain accurate logs of building events, maintenance issues, repairs, plumbing problems and other operational activities.
• Complete and maintain relevant documentation, including job cards and delivery notes.
• Ensure property records and information are kept up to date on the relevant systems.
• Assist with maintenance budgets and monitor operational expenditure.

Compliance, Health & Safety & Crisis Management

• Ensure the property remains compliant with applicable Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) requirements, regulations and building standards.
• Identify and escallate potential health, safety and operational risks.
• Respond to building emergencies and operational crises, escalating critical matters appropriately.
• Remain available on 24/7 on‑call basis for emergencies.
• Ensure contractors and service providers operate safely and in accordance with required standards.
• Perform other reasonable operational duties as required to ensure the property is effectively managed.

Compensation

R600,000 – R750,000 CTC per annum, depending on experience, expertise and the value you bring to the role.

The final package will be aligned with the successful candidate's experience and current remuneration.

Working Hours

Full‑time position based on site in Brackenfell, with a requirement to remain available for emergency call‑outs and operational issues outside of normal working hours.

Requirements

• Matric certificate is essential.
• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Management, Property Management or a related qualification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in property operations, facilities management or a similar operational property role.
• Strong practical understanding of commercial building infrastructure and preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge of OHS requirements, property legislation, relevant regulations and building codes.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors and external service providers.
• Experience dealing directly with tenants and resolving operational issues.
• Strong understanding of service contracts and property maintenance requirements.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong technical understanding of building operations and maintenance.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify defects and maintenance issues proactively.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of the site.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Confident negotiation and vendor‑management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication.
• Professional, reliable and solutions‑driven approach.
• High level of personal integrity and accountability.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced property environment.

Who Should Apply?

This role would suit an experienced Property Operations Manager, Facilities Manager, Building Manager or similar property professional who is comfortable being the person on the ground and taking complete ownership of a site.

You should be someone who is hands‑on, technically minded and highly organised, with the confidence to manage tenants, contractors, maintenance issues and emergencies independently while knowing when to escallate matters to the broader team.

The ability to work autonomously is particularly important, as you will be the dedicated on‑site representative, supported remotely and through regular engagement with the wider property and facilities team.