School Estate Manager

Job description

An exciting role exists within an independent School in the Southern Suburbs for an experienced Estate Manager to join their team in 2026.  As Estate Manager you will be responsible for the overall maintenance and presentation of the Estate, including sports fields, landscaped grounds, buildings and residential facilities. The role carries a high level of delegated authority and requires independent management of estate operations across both the Preparatory and Senior Schools, within agreed budgets and policies.

We are looking for a proactive leader with strong operational and facilities management experience, a hands-on individual with strong technical acumen and a keen eye for detail.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring that all Estate buildings, facilities and grounds (sports and gardens) are properly functional and maintained.
• Plan, monitor and control the maintenance budget so that expenditure is within approved budget parameters.
• Develop and implement plans to ensure objectives are achieved.
• Implement preventative maintenance plans on various equipment.
• Manage the performance of staff so that they can achieve set objectives (which include Handyman, security and grounds staff).
• Oversee, co-ordinate and ensure Health & Safety compliance.
• Build strong partnerships with staff, school leadership and management, parents and the wider community.
• Perform general management and administrative duties as required.
• Be fully committed to the School’s transformation, equity and belonging strategic objectives in support of an equitable and safe school environment for all.
• To be supportive of the Christian ethos of the School.

Requirements

• Minimum Grade 12.
• Additional relevant tertiary qualification/s and certifications in operations and facilities management.
• A relevant qualification in horticulture will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of conservation practices, property law, financial management and community governance.
• Knowledge of sport facilities and grounds management.
• Extensive experience in managing people, performance and teams.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Strong IR/ labour relations knowledge.
• Good practical knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
• IT, administrative and excellent organisational, project management and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Financial acumen and previous experience in managing budgets.
• Delivery-driven with a strong customer service orientation.
• The physical demands of the role and the size of the operations of the School will require the incumbent to be physically fit.
• It is essential that the incumbent is fluent in English and is preferably able to communicate in isiXhosa.
• Commencement date of Employment: February 2026 (negotiable)

Posted on 13 Jan 11:59, Closing date 14 Mar