Senior Real Estate Property Manager

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Hybrid work options

Access to property management tech

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Real Estate Property Manager to oversee a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties in Pietermaritzburg. You will drive occupancy, rental income and asset value while leading property administrators and maintenance staff in a culture of excellence.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong negotiation and financial analysis, and deep knowledge of KwaZulu-Natal market dynamics and landlord-tenant regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in real estate property management.
• Experience leading and managing a property management team.
• Deep knowledge of property management software and systems.
• Strong understanding of SA real estate law, leases and tenant rights.
• Solid financial acumen including budgeting and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for property management to optimize occupancy and asset value.
• Oversee day-to-day operations: leasing, rent collection, maintenance and tenant relations.
• Conduct regular property inspections for safety and compliance.
• Manage budgets, financial reporting and forecasting for the portfolio.
• Lead, train and mentor a team of property management professionals.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality of service.
• Address tenant complaints and disputes professionally and promptly.
• Ensure compliance with local, provincial and national regulations.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to develop leasing strategies.
• Identify opportunities for upgrades to enhance market value.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Property Management

Tools

Yardi

AppFolio

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the property management sector, is seeking an accomplished and motivated Senior Real Estate Property Manager to oversee a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties in the vibrant Pietermaritzburg area. This is a pivotal role that requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in maximizing property value, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and driving operational efficiency. You will be instrumental in leading a team of property administrators and maintenance staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the KwaZulu-Natal real estate market dynamics and be adept at navigating complex landlord-tenant relationships and regulatory frameworks. We are looking for a candidate who can bring innovative solutions to property management challenges and contribute significantly to our client's continued growth and success in Pietermaritzburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for property management to optimize occupancy rates, rental income, and asset value.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the property portfolio, including leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and tenant relations.
• Conduct regular property inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, lease agreements, and company policies.
• Manage budgets, financial reporting, and forecasting for the properties under your charge.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of property management professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Source and negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality of service.
• Address and resolve tenant complaints and disputes efficiently and professionally.
• Ensure all properties comply with local, provincial, and national regulations.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to develop effective leasing strategies.
• Identify opportunities for property upgrades and improvements to enhance marketability and value.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in real estate property management, with a strong emphasis on residential and commercial portfolios.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a property management team.
• In-depth knowledge of property management software (e.g., Yardi, AppFolio, or similar).
• Exceptional understanding of real estate law, leasing, and tenant rights within South Africa.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, and financial analysis.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Pietermaritzburg region.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Property Management, Business Administration, or a related field is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge property management technology.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements for greater flexibility.