Operations Executive – Student Accommodation

Operations Executive – Student Accommodation

A leading property management organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Executive to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a large student accommodation portfolio in Johannesburg. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced property or operations professional who can deliver operational excellence and an exceptional student living experience across approximately 12,000 student beds.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring consistent service delivery, enhancing the student experience, managing Property Management teams, and ensuring strong operational governance across the portfolio.

Your key focus areas will include:

• Developing and implementing operational strategy across all residences with consistent standards
• Leading and mentoring Property Managers and operational teams across regional operations
• Overseeing residence operations, front-office services, cleaning, security, and resident services
• Ensuring high levels of customer service, resident engagement, and complaint resolution
• Leading the annual operational readiness programme and ensuring DHET compliance and NSFAS accreditation
• Monitoring portfolio performance through KPIs, inspections, audits, and satisfaction surveys
• Managing operational budgets, forecasts, and driving cost optimisation
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with property owners, universities, residents, and service providers
• Championing technology adoption to improve operational performance and process efficiency

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Property Management, Business Management, Operations Management, or a related discipline
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in property or operations management
• At least 5 years' experience in a senior leadership position
• Proven experience managing a multi-site property portfolio
• Experience in student accommodation, residential, or commercial property management
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Experience managing operational budgets and driving business performance
• Property management and student accommodation operations knowledge
• Customer service management expertise
• Budgeting and financial management capabilities
• Contract and supplier management experience
• Business process improvement and operational planning skills
• Risk and performance management experience
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities
• Results-oriented, customer-focused, and ethical approach
• Resilient, innovative, and highly organised with strong strategic thinking

Advantageous: Honours Degree or postgraduate qualification in Business, Property, or Operations Management; MBA; professional registration with SAPOA, SAFMA, or a recognised property management body; experience with property management technology platforms such as FG Nexus.

If you meet the above requirements, please send your CV to alishiacv@surgestaff.co.za

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