Portfolio Manager - Student Accommodation

Ability Executive Recruitment Full time

Stellenbosch, South Africa Posted on 17/02/2026

We are looking for a strategic and operational Property Portfolio Manager to oversee a portfolio of NSFASaccredited student accommodation. This is a high-level role that goes beyond day-to-day management; it requires a candidate capable of "seeing the bigger picture" beyond simply on the ground day-to-day operations. This may include conceptualising and implementing strategies for the assets to maximize potential extract increased cash flow returns and to manage complex risk. The role will include leading a team to get the best possible performance from the asset group as a whole and ensure strict compliance
with NSFAS Standards.

• Strategic Direction: Formalise a strategic plan for the portfolio and make recommendations to the Portfolio
  
• Executive regarding value-maximization, streamlining, and risk balancing. You will actively look for ways to
  
• optimize the "yield per bed" and student value proposition.
  
• Property Improvement: Drive improvement of the property (upgrades, renovations, development) to achieve
  
• its maximum potential. This includes managing the delicate balance of upgrading facilities without
  
• disrupting the academic year.
  
• Market Intelligence: Utilise market research and market intelligence to deliver on the marketing strategy.
  
• This includes identifying target markets (specific faculties or universities), compiling the ideal tenant mix
  
• (bursary vs. private students), and overseeing tenant procurement strategies.
  
• CapEx Control: Control capital expenditure for refurbishments and improvements. You will be responsible
  
• for ensuring CapEx projects-such as creating study labs or upgrading Wi Fi infrastructure-deliver a return
  
• on investment.
  
• Extremely strong grasp of Excel and financial models: You will be required to be the primary custodian of the
  
• financial model for the student portfolio. This will include modelling scenarios and debt and translating
  
• strategic plans into clear financial figures and valuations.
  

• Performance Analysis: Conduct a monthly performance analysis of the property in terms of performance against budgets and relevant industry benchmarks (e.g., cost-per-bed ratios).
  
• Risk Analysis: Conduct an annual risk and exposure analysis and review of current and potential risks, specifically focusing on NSFAS accreditation risks, university payment cycles, and student safety/security protocols.
  
• Account Management: Ensure the effective management of tenant accounts as it relates to the interaction
  
• with relevant stakeholders (NSFAS, University Financial Aid Offices, Bursars) and ensure the necessary
  
• resolution of relevant issues regarding bulk payments and individual student arrears.
  

• Operational Alignment: Align, interpret, and implement the actual output of property and lease administration and operational functions with the output expected by business operations. You must bridge the gap between "on-the-ground" building managers and "head office" strategy.
  
• Head-Lease Administration: Ensure that property and lease administration is well administered. This involves overseeing the high-volume intake season (Jan/Feb) to ensure all lease agreements are POPIA compliant and legally sound under the Rental Housing Act.
  
• Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with tenants (students) and service providers.
  
• You will act as the escalation point for Student Representative Councils (SRCs) and University Housing departments.
  

• Team Leadership: Assess staff functions within the respective functional areas (Building Managers, Student
  
• Liaison Officers, Maintenance teams).
  
• Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews and effectively manage all reporting staff to ensure a high-performance culture that prioritizes student welfare and asset protection.
  

• Tertiary qualification in Property Studies, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, or Finance.
  
• Minimum 5+ years in Property Management with exposure to asset management. Experience in the Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is non-negotiable.
  
• Ability to see the "bigger picture" of asset performance (Net Operating Income) while understanding the nuances of student needs.
  
• Proficiency in property management software (MRI/MDA) and advanced Excel reporting.
  
• Deep understanding of the DHET Minimum Norms and Standards for Student
  
• Housing and the accreditation requirements of major SA universities.