Regional Property Operations Manager

Job Description

• A leading student accommodation and property management company is looking for an experienced Regional Property Operations Manager with strong experience in multi-site property or operations management to oversee the operational, financial, compliance, asset, people and service delivery performance of a regional portfolio of student accommodation properties.

Responsibilities

• Provide regional accountability for property condition, building performance, asset integrity and asset lifecycle management.
• Implement preventative and lifecycle maintenance programmes and oversee maintenance quality, recurring defects and asset deterioration risks.
• Ensure compliance with the OHS Act, fire regulations, SANS and building codes, local authority requirements and university requirements.
• Ensure OHS inspections, fire drills, evacuation procedures and statutory records are completed and maintained.
• Prepare, consolidate and manage regional OPEX and CAPEX budgets, three-year financial forecasts and lifecycle plans.
• Review monthly income and expenses, operating cost variances, municipal recoveries, arrears and collections performance.
• Approve expenditure within delegated authority levels and ensure adherence to procurement frameworks and cost recovery requirements.
• Oversee regional vacate and intake planning, occupancy and demand trends, contractor planning and asset replacement requirements.
• Provide regional oversight of hard and soft services, including cleaning, security and maintenance contractors.
• Monitor contractor performance, cost effectiveness and SLA adherence, addressing recurring defects and under-performance.
• Ensure a consistent tenant and student experience across the regional portfolio.
• Manage escalated student complaints and support crisis and emergency response when required.
• Maintain productive relationships with universities, institutional stakeholders, municipalities and service partners.
• Provide direct line management to Residence Managers and regional operational teams.
• Ensure performance reviews, training plans, corrective action and workforce capacity planning are effectively managed.
• Provide regional direction and control of daily operations, ensuring SOPs, business rules and reporting requirements are followed.
• Develop and execute regional operational strategies and submit monthly reports covering occupancy, financials, compliance, maintenance and incidents.
• Support new site launches, expansion projects and portfolio growth initiatives.
• Support senior management with special projects, investigations, audits and performance interventions.

Requirements

• Degree in Property Management, Facilities Management, Business or a related field.
• 5–8 years' experience in multi-site property or operations management.
• Experience in student accommodation or hospitality is preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Financial acumen and budgeting expertise.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and crisis management abilities.
• Knowledge of property legislation and student housing trends.
• Tech-savvy, with experience using CRM systems, Microsoft Office and property management software.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel between sites.
• Familiarity with South African housing regulations and NSFAS policies is advantageous.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends during peak periods.
• Experience with sustainability and lifecycle asset planning is advantageous.