Regional Property Operations Manager (student accommodation)

Ability Executive Recruitment Full time

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.

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

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

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

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

• Regionaloversight of:
  • hardand soft services
  • cleaning,security, maintenance contractors
• Ensurecontractor performance, cost effectiveness and SLA adherence
• Authorisecontractor payments within authority
• Identifyand address:

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

Directline management of RMs and regional teams

• Ensure:
  • trainingplans
  • workforcecapacity planning
  • Supportrecruitment, onboarding, and succession planning
  • Drivea culture of accountability, compliance and service excellence

Provide regional direction and control ofdaily operations

• EnsureRMs:
  • followSOPs and business rules
  • addressrisks proactively
  • Stepin operationally when required, based on regional need

• Developand execute regional operational strategies
• Submitmonthly regional reports covering:
  • occupancy
  • compliance
  • maintenance
• Support:
  • newsite launches
  • expansionprojects

• 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

• 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