Precinct Operations Manager at Africrest Properties

Position Purpose and Profile:

• The Precinct Operations Manager is responsible for all operational matters across the assigned precinct or property portfolio, including existing buildings and any new developments added to the precinct. This role is accountable for ensuring that all precinct assets operate efficiently, remain fully compliant, and deliver a consistent, high-quality resident experience across all sites.
• This person acts as the central point of coordination for all on-site operations, leading multiple teams, service providers, and contractors across the precinct. The role also plays a key part in the launch and integration of new buildings within the portfolio, overseeing operational readiness, snagging, handover processes, and the seamless transition into day-to-day management once a building becomes operational.

Responsibilities:

• Daily
• Oversee all day-to-day operational activities across the precinct, ensuring smooth running of multiple buildings.
• Implement and enforce Africrest operational procedures, policies, and service standards across all sites.
• Ensure consistency and quality of maintenance, cleaning, security, gardening, and waste management throughout the precinct.
• Provide operational input and guidance on any new developments or acquisitions within the precinct.
• Support the Head of Property Management and Portfolio Managers with precinct-level insights, reporting, and strategic planning.
• Freshdesk Ticket Resolution Rate: ≥ 90% within SLA (average < 24 hours).
• OHS Audit Compliance: ≥ 95% precinct wide.
• Maintenance Budget Control: Within ±5% of allocated monthly budget.
• Energy & Water Efficiency: Minimum 5% annual reduction in consumption per building.
• Service Provider SLA Adherence: ≥ 90% compliance rate.
• Caretaker Performance Reviews: 100% completion quarterly
• Incident Response Time: All major incidents reported and logged within 24 hours.
• Ensure building readiness reports are submitted within 48 hours post-inspection, including a plan of action and turnaround strategy for completion before the next monthly inspection.
• And any other aspect of temporary nature that might be deemed necessary from time to time
• New Developments and Building Launches
• Act as the operational leader for all new buildings within the precinct from pre-launch to full handover.
• Coordinate with the development and construction teams to ensure that operational considerations are factored in before practical completion.
• Oversee snagging and de-snagging, ensuring all systems, finishes, and services meet company standards before handover.
• Source, appoint, and manage new service providers (cleaning, security, waste, etc.) ahead of building launch.
• Set up building management processes, handover documentation, and Freshdesk integration prior to occupancy.
• Manage initial resident move-ins, ensuring the building transitions smoothly into the operational portfolio
• Prepare operational readiness reports for management on each new development, highlighting timelines, budgets, and potential risks.
• Maintenance and Facilities Management
• Oversee the management and resolution of all Freshdesk tickets logged within the precinct by site teams, residents and/or Clientele.
• Track and monitor response times to ensure service-level compliance (24-hour feedback turnaround).
• Conduct regular precinct inspections, identify recurring maintenance or safety issues, and implement preventative solutions.
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all insurance or fire safety requirements.
• Review and approve maintenance purchases and supplier quotes within precinct budgets.
• Drive system compliance, ensuring all tickets, inspections, and contractor reports are logged digitally.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve operations in general, in terms of response and resolution times across precinct operations.
• People and Contractor Management
• Manage and support building-level Operations Managers and site staff across all buildings in the precinct.
• Oversee and evaluate contractor performance, ensuring SLAs are adhered to and service quality remains consistent.
• Authorize and oversee overtime, scheduling, and attendance records for operations managers, precinct handymen / caretakers and support staff.
• Lead training, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives within the precinct operations team.
• Conduct biannual performance reviews with all site-level managers and contractors, ensuring alignment with Africrest service standards.
• Develop caretaker and operations manager training schedules for all precinct staff.
• Conduct monthly caretaker performance evaluations, focusing on technical competence and service standards.
• Maintain weekly operational updates summarising key issues, resolutions, and escalations.
• Lead monthly precinct operations meetings with Operations Managers and Caretakers to review performance and address challenges.
• Drive mentorship and leadership development within site-level teams to ensure operational continuity and accountability.
• Resident and Stakeholder Relations
• Serve as the precinct’s main operational point of contact for escalated resident issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, property owners, and internal teams.
• Support move-in and move-out processes across all properties, ensuring reinstatement is handled efficiently.
• Act as the precinct representative during building launches or community events.
• Collaborate with the Marketing or Leasing teams to ensure precinct-level resident experience and community engagement align with the brand values of Africrest.
• Financial and Administrative Responsibilities
• Monitor precinct-level maintenance budgets and ensure cost efficiency across all operational spend.
• Review monthly building inspection and operations reports, summarising precinct-level trends for management.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives without compromising service delivery.
• Track CapEx vs. OpEx across buildings and identify monthly variances and recommend cost saving measures without compromising quality, compliance, or safety standards.
• Ensure recoverable maintenance costs are captured and billed correctly according to lease agreements in coordination with the Debtors- and Property Management teams.
• Maintain all records, reports, and correspondence in accordance with POPIA and internal governance requirements.
• Annual and Compliance Requirements
• Oversee annual servicing of fire equipment and other safety systems across the precinct.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, insurance, and OHS regulations.
• Coordinate the annual review of precinct performance, identifying improvement opportunities.
• Manage archiving of all operational documentation and files.

Qualifications:

• Matric.
• Minimum 5 years operations or similar experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• MDA or similar experience (preferable).
• Tertiary qualification in Facilities, Property Management, or Engineering advantageous.
• OHS Qualifications (preferable).
• First Aid and Fire Fighting Qualifications / Certifications (preferable).

Skills:

• Proven operations or facilities management experience within property management, ideally across multiple buildings.
• Strong understanding of the full property lifecycle, including involvement in new developments and operational onboarding.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and people management skills.
• Strong financial and analytical ability to manage budgets and operational data.
• Computer literacy and experience with Freshdesk, MDA, or similar systems.
• Customer-focused, solutions-driven attitude with high attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational environments and manage competing priorities.
• Willingness to work extended hours as required by operational demands.
• Knowledge of municipal processes and SSEG / EPC compliance.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills for service providers.