Regional Property Operations Manager (student accommodation), Durban

Ability Executive Recruitment | Full time

Regional Property Operations Manager (student accommodation) Durban, South Africa | Posted on 15/04/2026

The RegionalProperty Operations Manager (RPOM) is accountable for the end‑to‑endoperational, financial, compliance, asset, people, and service deliveryperformance of a portfolio of student accommodation properties within adefined geographic region.

Property, Building&Asset Management Hold regional accountability for:

propertycondition

buildingperformance

assetintegrity (fixed&movable)

maintainsaccurate asset registers

managesasset lifecycle, replacement cycles and SLAs

implementspreventative and lifecycle maintenance programmes

Reviewbuilding status/grades annually across the region

Investigateand motivate refurbishments and major repairs

Maintainregional oversight of:

maintenancequality

Compliance, SHEQ&Legal Governance Regional accountability for compliance with:

OHSAct

Fireregulations

SANSand building codes

Localauthority and university requirements

Ensure:

monthlyOHS inspections are completed by RMs

firedrills and evacuation procedures are conducted as required

statutoryrecords are accurate and audit‑ready

Intervenedirectly where compliance risk is identified

Escalatematerial risks to the PE

Financial Management, Budgeting&CostControl Prepare, consolidate and manage:

regionalOPEX and CAPEX budgets

3‑yearCAPEX and lifecycle plans

Reviewand assess:

monthlyincome and expenses

arrearsand collections performance

Approveexpenditure within delegated authority levels

followprocurement frameworks

controlstock and consumables

recovercosts per lease terms

Ensurefinancial reporting accuracy to PE and owners

Vacate, Intake&Occupancy Governance Own regional vacate and intake planning,control and outcome

Submit:

compliantand timely plans

Reviewand validate:

timelines

contractorand resource planningassetreplacement needs

Facilitateand review:

regionalvacate/intake close‑out reports

Trackoccupancy and demand trends across region

Facilities, Maintenance&ContractorOversight

Regionaloversight of:

hardand soft services

cleaning,security, maintenance contractors

Ensurecontractor performance, cost effectiveness and SLA adherence

Authorisecontractor payments within authority

Identifyand address:

Tenant, Student&Stakeholder Management Ensure consistent tenant and studentexperience across the region

SupportRMs with:

escalatedstudent complaints

crisisor emergency response

Maintainproductive relationships with:

universities

institutionalstakeholders

servicepartners

Promotegoodwill and protect company reputation

People Management&HR Accountability Directline management of RMs and regional teams

Ensure:

trainingplans

workforcecapacity planning

Supportrecruitment, onboarding, and succession planning

Drivea culture of accountability, compliance and service excellence

Operational Execution&Daily Control Provide regional direction and control ofdaily operations

EnsureRMs:

followSOPs and business rules

addressrisks proactively

Stepin operationally when required, based on regional need

Strategic Planning, Reporting&GrowthSupport

Developand execute regional operational strategies

Submitmonthly regional reports covering:

occupancy

compliance

maintenance

Support:

newsite launches

expansionprojects

Ad‑Hoc&Business Support

SupportPE and COO with:

specialprojects

investigations

audits

Respondflexibly to operational demands

trainingplans

workforcecapacity planning

Supportrecruitment, onboarding, and succession planning

Drivea culture of accountability, compliance and service excellence

Requirements

Degree in Property Management,Facilities Management, Business, or related field

5–8 years’ experience inmulti-site property or operations management

Experience in studentaccommodation or hospitality preferred

Valid driver’s license andwillingness to travel between sites

Familiarity with South Africanhousing regulations and NSFAS policies is a plus

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