Operations Manager

SUMMARY:
Operations Manager – Commercial & Retail Property | Cape Town

Lead Property Operations. Drive Performance. Deliver Operational Excellence.

Are you an experienced Operations Manager, Centre Manager, Commercial Property Manager or Facilities Manager with a strong background in managing commercial, industrial and retail properties?

A leading Property Development and Property Management Company is seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager / Centre Manager to oversee the operational performance of a property portfolio in Cape Town, Western Cape.

The role requires broader commercial & retail property management capabilities, with particular emphasis on facilities management, hard and soft services, HVAC, statutory compliance, tenant relations, contractor management and operational budgeting.

We are looking for a commercially aware property professional who can maintain high building standards, manage service providers, resolve tenant issues and ensure that properties remain safe, compliant, efficient and well maintained.

About the Role
As the Operations Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the allocated property portfolio.

You will oversee building maintenance, HVAC systems, facilities management, soft services, contractor performance, tenant relationships, health and safety compliance, operational budgets and property inspections.

Working closely with the Property Management and Leasing teams, you will ensure that all properties operate efficiently, comply with statutory requirements and deliver excellent service to tenants, customers and stakeholders.

The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple properties, coordinating technical and operational services, resolving complex building-related issues and maintaining strong relationships with tenants and service providers.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities

• Commercial & Retail Property Operations
• Oversee the daily operational management of the allocated commercial and retail properties.
• Manage the operational performance of two established shopping centres.
• Conduct regular property inspections and identify operational risks.
• Ensure buildings, common areas and facilities are maintained to high standards.
• Coordinate operational activities across multiple properties.
• Implement property management procedures and operational standards.
• Monitor building condition, service delivery and maintenance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
• Support the long-term preservation and performance of the property assets.
• Hard Facilities Management & Building Maintenance

• Oversee planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Coordinate maintenance of building infrastructure, plant and equipment.
• Manage technical contractors and specialist maintenance providers.
• Monitor the condition and performance of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
• Ensure maintenance requests and building defects are resolved within agreed timeframes.
• Oversee building repairs, refurbishments and maintenance projects.
• Maintain accurate maintenance schedules, records and service reports.
• Ensure critical building services remain operational and properly maintained.
• Monitor contractor workmanship, maintenance costs and service quality.
• HVAC & Technical Building Systems

• Oversee the maintenance and servicing of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Coordinate HVAC contractors and specialist service providers.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are implemented.
• Monitor air-conditioning performance and respond to technical faults.
• Coordinate repairs and replacement requirements for HVAC equipment.
• Ensure HVAC servicing and maintenance comply with applicable safety and operational standards.
• Identify recurring technical problems and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor maintenance expenditure and contractor performance.
• Soft Services & Contractor Management

• Manage cleaning, security, hygiene, pest control, landscaping and waste management services.
• Ensure common areas, ablution facilities and public spaces are clean, safe and well maintained.
• Oversee soft services contractors and monitor service delivery.
• Manage contractor performance against agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Conduct regular inspections and address service delivery shortcomings.
• Review contractor performance, costs and operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate service providers across the property portfolio.
• Ensure contractors comply with company policies, safety requirements and contractual obligations.
• Tenant Management & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with commercial and retail tenants.
• Act as a key contact for tenant operational queries and building-related concerns.
• Resolve tenant complaints and escalated maintenance issues.
• Coordinate tenant fit-outs, alterations and occupation handovers.
• Support tenant onboarding and leasing administration.
• Monitor compliance with operational provisions of lease agreements.
• Work closely with Property Managers and Leasing teams on tenant requirements.
• Promote tenant retention through effective communication and service delivery.
• Maintain positive relationships with landlords, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Health, Safety, SHEQ & Statutory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) and applicable regulations.
• Monitor compliance with relevant building, fire safety and statutory requirements.
• Conduct routine health and safety inspections.
• Coordinate risk assessments and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate SHEQ documentation, compliance records and inspection reports.
• Ensure contractors meet health and safety requirements.
• Monitor fire detection, fire protection and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Coordinate statutory inspections and required compliance certifications.
• Identify, report and mitigate operational and safety risks.
• Maintain audit readiness and ensure compliance issues are addressed promptly.
• Financial Management & Operational Budgets

• Prepare and manage property operational and maintenance budgets.
• Monitor monthly expenditure and operating cost variances.
• Control maintenance and facilities management expenditure.
• Review quotations, contractor invoices and supplier costs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Assist with annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
• Provide accurate financial information and operational cost reports.
• Support effective procurement and cost-control procedures.
• Leasing Support & Property Coordination

• Support the Leasing team with tenant occupation and handover requirements.
• Coordinate tenant fit-outs and ensure compliance with building standards.
• Assist with operational aspects of lease renewals and tenant retention.
• Ensure vacant units are maintained and ready for prospective tenants.
• Coordinate tenant access, contractor requirements and building-related approvals.
• Support effective communication between tenants, Property Management and Leasing teams.
• Reporting, Administration & Operational Improvement

• Prepare regular operational and property management reports.
• Monitor contractor performance and maintenance KPIs.
• Maintain accurate property inspection and maintenance records.
• Report on operational risks, compliance matters and outstanding maintenance issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve building performance and service delivery.
• Maintain effective communication with internal teams and management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio.

Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates should have:

• Diploma or Degree in Property Management, Facilities Management, Building Management, Business Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in retail shopping centre management, with relevant commercial property operations experience highly beneficial.
• Experience managing multiple properties or sites.
• Strong understanding of commercial and retail property operations.
• Proven experience in hard and soft facilities management.
• Practical knowledge of HVAC maintenance and technical building services.
• Experience managing contractors, service providers and SLAs.
• Strong tenant relationship management and operational problem-solving skills.
• Sound financial management, budgeting and cost-control experience.
• Knowledge of OHS, SHEQ, statutory compliance and building safety requirements.
• Experience coordinating planned preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Strong communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid South African driver's licence.

Technical Skills & Industry Experience
The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in:

• Commercial Property Management
• Retail Property Management
• Shopping Centre Operations
• Multi-Site Property Management
• Hard Facilities Management
• Soft Facilities Management
• HVAC Systems & Maintenance
• Building Maintenance & Technical Services
• Preventative Maintenance Planning
• Tenant Management & Tenant Relations
• Lease Administration Support
• Contractor & SLA Management
• Security & Cleaning Services
• Waste Management & Hygiene Services
• Building Compliance & Statutory Inspections
• OHS & SHEQ Compliance
• Fire Safety & Risk Management
• Operational Budgeting & Cost Control
• Property Inspections
• Facilities Reporting & KPIs
• Asset Maintenance & Operational Excellence

Key Competencies

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Strong operational leadership and accountability.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Sound technical understanding of commercial buildings.
• Strong contractor and service provider management.
• Confident tenant communication and conflict resolution.
• Financial and commercial awareness.
• Ability to prioritise multiple operational demands.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making.
• High attention to detail and compliance.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Commitment to maintaining safe, compliant and well-managed properties.

Candidates should demonstrate experience managing commercial or retail property operations, facilities, contractors, tenants, budgets and statutory compliance.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a respected Property Development and Property Management Company.
• Manage an established commercial and retail property portfolio in Cape Town.
• Take ownership of building operations, facilities management and tenant service delivery.
• Work closely with experienced Property Management and Leasing teams.
• Gain exposure to technical building systems, compliance and operational improvement.
• Make a measurable contribution to property performance and asset preservation.
• Develop your career within commercial property and facilities management.

Location
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Apply Today

Are you an experienced Operations Manager, Centre Manager or Property Manager with strong commercial property, facilities management and tenant relationship experience?

If you have a proven track record in property operations, HVAC, hard and soft services, contractor management, OHS compliance, budgeting and tenant management, we would love to hear from you.

Take the next step in your property management career and join a company where your operational expertise can make a meaningful impact.