Residence Manager (Stellenbosch)

Datafin IT Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Datafin IT Recruitment is seeking a Residence Manager to lead operations across a portfolio of student residences. You will supervise Residence Coordinators and support staff, fostering a safe, inclusive and learner-centred environment while aligning programmes with institutional goals.

You will collaborate with campus partners, external providers and internal stakeholders to ensure high-quality residence services, effective crisis response, and data-driven program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage, motivate and develop a professional team.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience in crisis response and safety coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead residence operations and support staff across multiple residences.
• Oversee safety, maintenance, and occupancy processes.
• Coordinate with campus partners and external service providers.
• Manage student conduct within residences per policy.
• Prepare reports on incidents, service delivery and operations.
• Coordinate events and activities for student engagement and welfare.

Skills

Staff management

Leadership

Crisis response

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

ENVIRONMENT:

A student accommodation provider is seeking an experienced Residence Manager to lead and support residence-life operations across its portfolio of residences. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in creating a safe, inclusive and learner-centred environment while managing the performance and professional development of Residence Coordinators and support staff. The Residence Manager will collaborate with internal stakeholders, campus partners and external service providers to uphold organisational values and ensure operational excellence across all residences.

DUTIES:

Leadership and Staff Management

• Provide direct supervision, coaching and performance management to Residence Coordinators and administrative staff.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions and professional development initiatives.
• Support employee growth, engagement and retention.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding and training of Residence Coordinators.

Strategic Oversight and Programme Development

• Guide the planning and implementation of residential programmes aligned with institutional goals for student success, wellness, inclusion and engagement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of residence initiatives through data-driven assessments.
• Identify areas for improvement and provide appropriate recommendations.

Crisis Management and Emergency Response

• Serve as a senior point of contact within the organisation’s crisis-management structure.
• Oversee crisis-response protocols and ensure residence staff are adequately trained and prepared.
• Coordinate with campus safety, counselling and healthcare services during emergencies.
• Support the effective management and resolution of critical incidents.

Policy Enforcement and Student Conduct

• Manage student conduct matters within the residences in accordance with institutional policies.
• Ensure the fair, consistent and professional application of conduct policies across all residences.
• Train Residence Coordinators in appropriate early-intervention techniques.
• Escalate serious conduct matters to the relevant department or authority.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee facilities management across all assigned residences.
• Coordinate safety inspections, maintenance tracking and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Work closely with facilities, maintenance and residence operations teams regarding repairs.
• Coordinate move-in and move-out activities, occupancy requirements and related logistics.
• Liaise with and manage external service providers, including cleaning and security companies.
• Monitor service-level performance and ensure consistently high standards across all residences.

Occupancy and Administration

• Monitor occupancy trends and collaborate with relevant housing departments.
• Manage room changes, cancellations, placements and reallocations.
• Ensure student placement, vacancy and occupancy databases are updated accurately and timeously.
• Maintain complete and accurate administrative records.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Act as the liaison between Residence Coordinators, campus personnel and external service providers.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Address complex escalations from students and families professionally and with a solutions-focused approach.
• Communicate operational matters clearly and timeously.

Assessment and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of student engagement, incidents, operational matters and outcomes.
• Contribute to departmental assessments and management reports.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports covering incidents, service delivery, maintenance and operational performance.
• Use operational information and feedback to support continuous improvement.

Event Coordination

• Support major residence events, including orientations, welcome weekends, year-end gatherings, student activities and emergency drills.
• Coordinate event logistics, resources and staffing requirements.
• Ensure events are conducted safely and provide a positive experience for all participants.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake special projects and additional responsibilities as directed by senior management.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven ability to manage, motivate and develop a professional team.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence.
• Sound understanding of student development, residential education and crisis response.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in student housing management systems and general office technology.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience in developing and evaluating residential programmes and student-engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations and best practices governing student accommodation and higher-education housing.
• Strong conflict-resolution, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Professional, service-oriented and solutions-focused approach.