Operations Manager – Retail Shopping Centre

About the position

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for providing technical and operational leadership for the effective maintenance, safety and performance of a retail shopping centre. The role ensures optimal asset performance, statutory compliance, cost control, contractor management and a safe, customer?focused operational environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities Financial Management

• Prepare, manage and monitor technical budgets, including CAPEX and R&M
• Compile forecasts and budget variance reports
• Prepare and submit required financial and technical reports to management
• Exercise strict cost control while maintaining service delivery standards

• Develop and implement planned, preventative and emergency maintenance programmes
• Coordinate disaster and emergency planning in collaboration with management and facilities teams
• Manage hard and soft services, ensuring service quality, KPI performance and contractual compliance
• Negotiate cost?effective pricing with service providers
• Implement 3–5 year lifecycle and preventative maintenance plans
• Maintain and manage asset registers, inventory, tools and spares
• Implement energy efficiency, environmental and sustainability initiatives
• Support utility management, consumption analysis and recovery optimisation
• Review utility billing, reports and liaise with utility consultants
• Monitor solar installation performance where applicable
• Conduct technical, housekeeping, contract, take?on and take?back inspections
• Oversee borehole systems and performance reporting
• Manage security systems and identify security risks and mitigation strategies
• Ensure all buildings, equipment and grounds are maintained to required standards
• Stay abreast of market and technical trends in facilities and retail operations

• Contribute to SLA specifications with service providers in line with procurement strategy
• Ensure all contractor appointments comply with procurement policies

• Ensure compliance with OHS Act, fire regulations and statutory requirements
• Maintain internal systems and statutory registers
• Manage insurance claims and processes to finality
• Establish and test emergency and evacuation procedures
• Liaise with SAPS, municipal authorities and other relevant stakeholders

• Identify skills gaps and implement team training and mentorship
• Allocate work schedules and manage performance using company systems
• Drive team alignment, engagement and accountability

• Manage and resolve technical complaints and operational queries timeously
• Identify complaint trends and implement corrective actions
• Manage tenant relationships, including tenant installations and budget control

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the property or built environment sector
• Retail shopping centre experience is essential
• Experience with solar installations and generators
• Experience working with business forums or local economic development structures

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Science or Construction Management
• Qualified trade (electrician, plumber, etc.) advantageous

• Property and facilities management principles
• OHS Act, fire and emergency procedures
• Mechanical, electrical and utility management fundamentals
• Budgeting and cost control
• Understanding of leases and service level agreements
• Technical drawings interpretation

• Leadership and stakeholder management
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Solid financial and budget management capability
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication and report writing
• Resilient, detail?oriented and solution focused

Desired Skills:

• Asset Management
• Budgeting
• Facilities Management
• Health and Safety Compliance
• Operations Management
• Project Management
• Property Management