Shopping Centre Operations Manager (Facilities)

Ability Executive Recruitment Full time

Port Elizabeth, South Africa Posted on 28/04/2026

Responsible for providing technical and managerial expertise pertaining to the maintenance of the retail centre. Ensures operational budget management, mechanical or electrical engineering services and management of service providers on site. Ensures reliable and safe continuous operation in accordance with statutory requirements and regulations in the building/equipment under his/her control. Ensure optimum utility performance of the building.

• To prepare, manage and load the technical budget (Capex and R&M) including forecasts and budget variance reports.
• To prepare required technical and financial reports and feedback to management.

• Set and implement planned / preventative / emergency maintenance in conjunction with the Line Managers and Facility Managers, as well as disaster and emergency planning.
• Manage both "hard" and "soft" services, monitoring the quality of services and deliverables including monthly KPI management provided by suppliers, ensuring they are within budget by negotiating the most advantageous pricing structure.
• Ensure that life cycle planning and preventative maintenance plans over a 3-5-year period are set for property under management.
• Ensure effective asset control by setting and managing the asset register, on the Service Desk.
• Oversee and control all maintenance/stock control inventory / spares and tools.
• Implement energy saving programs ('green' principles), environmental and sustainability methodology.
• Assisting management of the utilization of municipal and utility management to ensure optimum recovery ratios.
• Assisting management of utility reports, including billings and associated meetings with utility consultants, as well as implementation to resolve issues.
• Manage and scrutinise monthly and daily solar performance and reports (if applicable).
• Conduct inspections, including technical, housekeeping, service contract and take on and take back inspections.
• Manage borehole installations to optimal performance and the reporting thereof.
• Assume responsibility for the security of all the Centre facilities.
• Identify security threats and develop action plans for the prevention of incidents.
• Ensure all buildings, grounds and equipment are maintained and in optimal working condition.
• Stay abreast of changing technical market trends.

• To contribute to the specifications to SLAs for approved service providers in conjunction with the Procurement team, including company procurement strategy.
• Ensure all contractors appointed are in line with Procurement policies.

• To ensure that compliance is maintained with building and statutory regulations, as per the Health and Safety Act and ASIB requirements.
• Ensure all internal systems are updated.
• To register and monitor insurance processes to finality.
• Establish and maintain security systems for the Centre and tenants.
• Establish and maintain security information network.
• Liaise with SAPS and other local authorities.
• Establish and practice regular emergency and evacuation plans of the Centre.

• Identify skills gaps as well as the required training for the team members in your team and mentor them.
• Manage and coordinate staff activities and deliverables, implementing work schedules and effectively using the company performance and development management system.
• Drive the overall engagement and alignment of the team.

• Manage and respond timeously to technical complaints and queries received from clients and identify trends in complaints.
• Manage the relationship with the tenants, including tenant installations and asserting budgetary control.

• Minimum 5 years of Property or Built Environment experience within a Retail shopping centre environment.
• A Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/ Electrical or Qualified tradesmen (electrician, plumber, boilermaker, etc.)or a certificate in facilities management Engineering/ Building Science/ Construction and Facilities Management.
• Responsible for technical and managerial oversight of centre maintenance, operational budgets, engineering services, and service providers.
• Experience with solar installations, generators, water reticulation systems and local economic development forums.
• Relevant qualification: Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Building Science, Construction, or Facilities Management.
• Retail/Shopping Centre experience is non-negotiable