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.

Full-time, Permanent, Work

Cape Town, Gardens

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 escal
• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance, servicing and compliance records.
• 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.
• 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

• Education and Qualifications
• Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• An Operations Management diploma or qualification in a related field.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful

Closing date for applications: 12 October 2026

• 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

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