Senior Operations Manager

Excellerate; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Excellerate is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee planning, delivery, and performance of all contracted and on-site services. You will lead a high-performing team, manage HR activities, and ensure safety and service excellence across the facility.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in operations and contract management, with certifications a plus. This role requires strategic oversight and hands-on leadership in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business/engineering/IT or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in operations, contract management, or facilities/data centre management.
• Understanding of contract law, procurement, and technical infrastructure (power, cooling, networking).
• Certifications (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, CDCP, PMP) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver all in-scope and additional contracted work on site, including repair, installation, and modification services.
• Review contract terms to align with client expectations and company standards.
• Oversee self-delivery and contractor activity to minimize downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Maintain knowledge of facility operations (power, cooling, networking, security).
• Provide technical guidance to the operations team to resolve issues.
• Facilitate communication between staff, shifts, and cross-functional teams to ensure service continuity.
• Collaborate to resolve contract-related and operational disputes.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations and training.
• Address HR concerns and drive engagement and retention strategies.
• Identify risks and liabilities, conduct audits for compliance and safety.
• Establish KPIs, analyze data, and generate reports to drive improvements and cost reductions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Contract management

Project management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, IT or related field

Tools

Contract management software

Project management software

Job description

Who we are

We are the market leader in commercial real estate services and investments and provide an integrated suite of high-quality real estate services to our clients across Africa and the Middle East, including facilities management, advisory & transaction services, project management. We support predominantly corporate clients who buy services on a contracted basis all across the Middle East and Africa - even globally, depending on their portfolio.

Why choose us

Imagine more than just the future of work; with CBRE Excellerate, you can create it. As part of our global powerhouse, you'll find a culture that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, where your best work is not just encouraged but celebrated. Collaborate with talented individuals, harness the support of unparalleled resources, and enjoy the journey as you grow both personally and professionally.

About the role

CBRE is seeking a highly skilled and organized Senior Operations Manager to oversee the planning, delivery, and performance of all contracted and operational services on site. This role combines strategic contract oversight with hands‑on operational and technical leadership, ensuring compliance, safety, and service excellence across the facility. The Senior Operations Manager will also manage people and HR activities, fostering a high‑performing, engaged team.

What will you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in operations, contract management, or facilities/data centre management, with proven managerial experience.
• Strong understanding of contract law, procurement processes, and technical infrastructure (power, cooling, networking).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in contract management and/or project management software.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, CDCP, PMP) are a plus.

What will you be doing

Service and Contract Delivery

• Accountable for the planning and delivery of all in-scope and additional contracted work on site, including repair, installation, and modification services.
• Review contract terms and conditions to ensure alignment with client expectations and company standards.
• Oversee both self-delivery and contractor activity, ensuring timely, efficient execution that minimizes downtime and maximizes operational efficiency.

Technical and Operational Oversight

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of facility operations, including power distribution, cooling systems, networking, and security protocols (where applicable to site type).
• Provide technical guidance and support to the operations team to resolve complex issues and optimize performance.

Communication and Coordination

• Facilitate effective communication flow between staff, shifts, and cross-functional teams (operations, finance, legal, engineering, IT) to ensure seamless service delivery and continuity.
• Collaborate to resolve contract-related and operational disputes.

People and HR Management

• Manage all people HR activities, including recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and training.
• Address HR-related concerns and grievances promptly and professionally, in line with company policy.
• Partner with HR to drive employee engagement and retention strategies.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify potential risks and liabilities across contracts and infrastructure, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and industry best practices.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Establish KPIs to measure performance and effectiveness of both contracted services and operational delivery.
• Analyze performance data and generate reports to identify trends, drive improvements, and reduce costs.

CBRE Excellerate is committed to striving for diversity and equitable representation in our workforce. Preference may thus be given to suitably qualified candidates as identified in our employment equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.