Maintenance Manager

Recruiter

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref

JHB003071/Jade

Date posted

Friday, June 5, 2026

Location

Mmabatho, South Africa

SUMMARY

Job Purpose

To lead and manage all maintenance operations across a large student residence (approximately 1600 rooms), ensuring that facilities, infrastructure, and equipment are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard to support an optimal living and learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance Operations Management
• Oversee all planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance across the residence
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance requests (rooms, common areas, plant equipment)
• Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule
• Maintain asset registers and equipment lifecycle plans
• Team Leadership
• Manage and supervise maintenance staff (e.g., technicians, electricians, plumbers, general workers)
• Allocate work, monitor performance, and ensure productivity targets are met
• Conduct training, toolbox talks, and skills development
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures
• Contractor & Supplier Management
• Appoint and manage external contractors and service providers
• Oversee maintenance projects, refurbishments, and upgrades
• Ensure contractors meet quality, cost, and safety standards
• Manage SLAs and service delivery performance
• Budget & Cost Control
• Prepare and manage the maintenance budget
• Monitor expenses and control costs without compromising quality
• Source quotations and approve procurement within authority limits
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and efficiencies
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and building regulations
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments
• Maintain fire safety systems, emergency equipment, and evacuation readiness
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and any local regulations
• Facilities & Infrastructure Oversight
• Oversee building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, generators, water systems)
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure
• Manage utility usage and sustainability initiatives (water, electricity, waste)
• Resident Experience Support
• Ensure rooms and communal spaces are well-maintained and functional
• Support quick turnaround for room readiness during student intakes/exits
• Respond to escalated maintenance complaints professionally
• Work closely with residence management to enhance the resident experience
• Reporting & Administration
• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and compliance documentation
• Provide regular reports on maintenance performance, costs, and risks
• Use maintenance systems (e.g., CAFM or ticketing systems) to track work orders

POSITION INFO

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field
• Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years’ relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management
• Experience managing large residential, hospitality, or student accommodation facilities preferred
• Proven experience managing teams and contractors

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of building systems and maintenance practices
• Leadership and people management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Budget management and financial acumen
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Good communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, reactive environment