Wembley College: Estate Manager

Wembley College: Estate Manager (Greytown)

• Reference Number: E040001

Description

Wembley College is a leading, English Medium, co-educational, independent school situated on a beautiful campus amongst the rolling hills of Greytown in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. An hour from Pietermaritzburg and an hour from Ballito makes for an ideal ‘country school’ within easy striking distance of a Central Business District and the warm KwaZulu Natal coast. Founded in 1997, the school enters candidates for the Cambridge Examinations that are set externally and recognised worldwide.

The following position has become available at Wembley College: Estate Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Grounds and Maintenance departments, ensuring all facilities are in optimal condition.
• Conduct regular inspections of school buildings, grounds and equipment to identify and address maintenance needs.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize unexpected repairs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage and monitor campus security systems as well as the OHS, ensuring a safe environment for staff and scholars.
• Grounds and Maintenance Management
• Supervise groundskeepers and maintenance staff, ensuring high standards of work performance.
• Plan and oversee landscaping and groundskeeping to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the campus.
• Liaise and plan with the Sports Department and other function-focused committees to ensure that all facility and groundskeeping related requirements are met.
• Ensure the upkeep and functionality of classrooms, sports facilities, and all communal areas.
• Coordinate maintenance projects, renovations and repairs with staff, contractors and service providers.
• Vehicle & Equipment Management
• Oversee the maintenance and servicing of all school vehicles, ensuring they meet roadworthy standards.
• Maintain an accurate vehicle logbook and ensure proper usage by authorised personnel.
• Ensure all machinery and equipment are serviced and maintained regularly.
• Budgeting and Procurement
• Prepare and manage the Facilities Department budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Oversee procurement of materials, tools and supplies needed for maintenance and repairs, including critical spares like water pumps.
• Develop long-term capital expenditure plans for facilities improvement.
• Compliance and Risk Management (OHS)
• Ensure the school complies with all building codes, fire safety regulations, and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Implement and manage emergency response plans for facilities-related incidents.
• Conduct risk assessments and address potential hazards in and around the school.
• Team Leadership and Staff Development
• Lead and manage the Grounds and Maintenance Supervisors, Cleaning and their teams, setting performance expectations and ensuring accountability.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team efficiency and skills.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review projects, maintenance schedules and safety procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualifications & Experience:
• A relevant qualification in Facilities Management, Construction, Engineering or a related field (preferable).
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in facilities, maintenance or operations management.
• Experience in managing teams, budgets, and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and maintenance best practices.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Computer literacy (MS Office, maintenance management software, and reporting tools) is essential.
• Key Competencies and Skills:
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle emergency situations effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and high standards of work quality.
• Ability to manage contractors and external service providers effectively.
• Working Conditions:
• This is a full-time, on-site position at Wembley College.
• The role will require occasional after-hours work for urgent maintenance issues and events.
• Work involves both office-based tasks and on-the-ground oversight and hands-on of maintenance and groundskeeping operations.