Student Accommodation Maintenance Manager Live Out

Bright Placements; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements is seeking a seasoned Maintenance Operations Manager to lead and optimise maintenance across a large student residence. You will oversee planned and reactive work, asset lifecycles, and contractor performance to ensure safety and reliability.

You will manage a substantial budget, drive cost efficiencies, and lead a team of technicians and supervisors in a high‑pressure environment, ensuring excellent resident experience and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field.
• Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous.
• Minimum 5–8 years’ relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage maintenance operations across a large student residence; ensure safety and compliance.
• Oversee planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance; manage asset registers.
• Budget preparation and cost control; source quotations and procurement within limits.
• Oversee health, safety, and compliance with OHSA and local regulations.
• Manage facilities infrastructure (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, water systems).
• Support resident experience; ensure rooms and common areas are well-maintained.
• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and use CAFM/ticketing systems to track work orders.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Budgeting

Planning

Communication

Facilities management

Contractor management

Education

Engineering degree

Facilities management degree

Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)

Tools

CAFM systems

Job description

Job Purpose To lead and manage all maintenance operations across a large student residence (approximately 1600 rooms), ensuring that facilities, infrastructure, and equipment are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard to support an optimal living and learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance Operations Management
• Oversee all planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance across the residence
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance requests (rooms, common areas, plant equipment)
• Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule
• Maintain asset registers and equipment lifecycle plans
• Manage and supervise maintenance staff (e.g., technicians, electricians, plumbers, general workers)
• Allocate work, monitor performance, and ensure productivity targets are met
• Conduct training, toolbox talks, and skills development
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures
• Appoint and manage external contractors and service providers
• Oversee maintenance projects, refurbishments, and upgrades
• Ensure contractors meet quality, cost, and safety standards
• Manage SLAs and service delivery performance
• Budget & Cost Control
• Prepare and manage the maintenance budget
• Monitor expenses and control costs without compromising quality
• Source quotations and approve procurement within authority limits
• Identify cost‑saving initiatives and efficiencies
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and building regulations
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments
• Maintain fire safety systems, emergency equipment, and evacuation readiness
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and any local regulations
• Facilities & Infrastructure Oversight
• Oversee building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, generators, water systems)
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure
• Manage utility usage and sustainability initiatives (water, electricity, waste)
• Resident Experience Support
• Ensure rooms and communal spaces are well‑maintained and functional
• Support quick turnaround for room readiness during student intakes/exits
• Respond to escalated maintenance complaints professionally
• Work closely with residence management to enhance the resident experience
• Reporting & Administration
• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and compliance documentation
• Provide regular reports on maintenance performance, costs, and risks
• Use maintenance systems (e.g., CAFM or ticketing systems) to track work orders

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field
• Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years’ relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management
• Experience managing large residential, hospitality, or student accommodation facilities preferred
• Proven experience managing teams and contractors
• Strong technical knowledge of building systems and maintenance practices
• Leadership and people management skills
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making ability
• Budget management and financial acumen
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Good communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work in a high‑pressure, reactive environment