Property Portfolio Manager

Profile Personnel; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A property management company is seeking a strategic and operational Property Portfolio Manager to oversee NSFAS-accredited student accommodation. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of property management experience, specifically in student housing. Responsibilities include developing strategic plans, managing financial performance, and leading operational teams. Strong financial modelling and people management skills are essential for this role. Interested applicants can send their CV to a provided email address.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in property management with exposure to asset management.
• Experience in the student accommodation (PBSA) sector is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and formalize strategic plans for the portfolio.
• Drive property improvement initiatives and manage capital expenditure.
• Conduct monthly performance analysis against budgets.
• Align operational output with strategic objectives.
• Lead and assess staff across property management functions.

Skills

Financial modelling skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving capabilities

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Property Studies, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, or Finance

Job description

We are seeking a strategic and operational Property Portfolio Manager to oversee a portfolio of NSFAS-accredited student accommodation. This role requires a leader who can think beyond day-to-day operations, conceptualize and implement strategies to maximize asset potential, optimize returns, and manage complex risks. You will lead a team to achieve high performance across the portfolio while ensuring strict compliance with NSFAS standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Asset Management

• Develop and formalize strategic plans for the portfolio, providing recommendations to optimize value, streamline operations, and balance risk.
• Drive property improvement initiatives, including renovations and upgrades, while minimizing disruption to the academic calendar.
• Utilize market research to inform marketing and tenant procurement strategies, ensuring the ideal tenant mix.
• Manage capital expenditure for refurbishments and facility enhancements to ensure return on investment.
• Maintain and manage the financial model for the portfolio, translating strategic plans into clear financial figures and valuations.

Financial & Risk Management

• Conduct monthly performance analysis against budgets and industry benchmarks.
• Perform annual risk assessments focused on NSFAS compliance, university payment cycles, and student safety.
• Oversee tenant accounts, liaising with relevant stakeholders to resolve bulk payment and individual arrears issues.

Operations & Administration

• Align operational output with strategic objectives, bridging the gap between on-site teams and head office.
• Ensure lease and property administration is legally compliant, POPIA-aligned, and efficient, especially during high-volume intake periods.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tenants and service providers, serving as escalation point for student representatives and university housing departments.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead and assess staff across property management, student liaison, and maintenance functions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and foster a high-performance culture focused on student welfare and asset protection.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Property Studies, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, or Finance.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in property management with exposure to asset management. Experience in the student accommodation (PBSA) sector is essential.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Strong financial modelling skills and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Should you wish to apply, please kindly email your CV through to Kirsten Smith at [e-mail]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive a response within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your CV on our database for any other relevant roles that may arise.