Operations and Maintenance Manager – Highlands House
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 Category | Business & 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 |