Operations and Maintenance Manager – Highlands House

Full-time, Permanent, Work
Cape Town, Gardens
Posted 1 week ago

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND THE ROLE

Highlands House is a dynamic residential facility for older people, situated in Gardens, Cape Town. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and oversee the full non-medical operational functions of the facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring that the property, maintenance services, contractors, suppliers, systems and operational controls are managed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.

The successful candidate will lead the maintenance team, coordinate specialist projects and contracted services, support budget and asset management, and work closely with heads of department to maintain a safe, compliant and well-run environment for residents, families, tenants and staff.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operational leadership and team management

  • Oversee the full non-medical operational functions of the facility and ensure that services are delivered efficiently, consistently and cost-effectively.
  • Lead by example and build a capable, service-focused maintenance team.
  • Plan, organise and allocate daily work, monitor progress and ensure tasks are completed to the required standard and within agreed timeframes.
  • Coordinate with heads of department to support the smooth execution of functions and operational priorities across the facility.

2. Facilities, maintenance and project management

  • Develop and manage preventative and reactive maintenance schedules, projects and programmes.
  • Plan and oversee specialised maintenance and improvement projects, including the preparation of work orders and coordination of service providers.
  • Ensure that essential equipment is regularly serviced, maintained and kept in safe working order.
  • Identify short- and long-term property improvement priorities and implement practical actions that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

3. Contractors, suppliers and procurement

  • Obtain and assess quotations, prepare work orders and manage contracted services from appointment through to completion.
  • Manage key suppliers and third-party vendors: monitor service quality, performance and value for money.
  • Maintain and update service-level agreements; ensure suppliers meet agreed standards and obligations.
  • Support the procurement of operating supplies, equipment and essential services in line with organisational procedures and budget controls.

4. Compliance, health and safety

  • Ensure compliance with facility operating controls, policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Take operational responsibility for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, fire regulations and other applicable legal requirements.
  • Identify operational and safety risks, address matters within the role’s authority and escalate significant concerns appropriately.
  • Maintain accurate operational, maintenance, servicing and compliance records.

5. Budget, assets and performance

  • Assist the Financial Manager with preparation and management of the annual maintenance budget.
  • Monitor maintenance expenditure, seek cost-effective solutions and support sound budgetary control.
  • Oversee operational asset records, maintenance requirements and the effective use of equipment and resources.
  • Review operational practices and recommend improvements that strengthen service delivery, efficiency and cost control.

6. Resident and stakeholder service

  • Liaise professionally with residents, families and tenants regarding property and maintenance matters.
  • Respond promptly and sensitively to maintenance-related concerns and complaints, ensuring appropriate follow-up and resolution.
  • Build effective working relationships with staff, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

1. Education and Qualifications

  • Matric or an equivalent qualification.
  • An Operations Management diploma or qualification in a related field.

2. Work experience and industry exposure

  • A minimum of five years’ proven experience as an Operations Manager or in a similar role.
  • Sound knowledge of operations management, facilities maintenance, contractor management, procurement and service delivery.
  • Experience managing budgets, suppliers, service-level agreements and operational assets.
  • Experience in a residential, healthcare, hospitality or other service-driven environment would be advantageous.

3. Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong people-management skills, with the ability to lead, delegate, monitor performance and develop a team.
  • A professional and respectful approach when engaging residents, families, tenants, staff, suppliers and contractors.
  • The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and resolve concerns calmly and constructively.

4. Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills

  • Outstanding planning, organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Strong project-management capability and consistent follow-through on maintenance, compliance and improvement initiatives.
  • Good budgetary control, record-keeping and reporting skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.

5. Specific requirements

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
  • Working knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements, fire regulations and relevant operational controls.
  • A hands-on, accountable leadership style and the ability to take ownership of the facility’s non-medical operations.

Interested?

Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below

Closing date for applications: 12 October 2026

If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful

Job Features

Job CategoryBusiness & Management, Facilities Management, Property, Maintenance & Construction
Location:Gardens, Cape Town
Reporting to:Snr Management
Nature of contract:Permanent
Hours of work:Full time
Salary range:Market Related, commensurate with skill and experience
Closing date for applications:12 October 2026
Interested?Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button above

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