Chief Director: Facilities and Estate Management

Job Description

We are inviting applications for the senior executive position of Chief Director: Facilities and Estate Management. This leadership role is responsible for the strategic direction and overall management of the department's extensive property and facilities portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee capital works, maintenance plans, lease management, and health and safety compliance across all government-owned assets. You will lead a large, multi-disciplinary team, manage significant budgets, and ensure the optimal utilization and maintenance of the provincial estate in line with legislative requirements and best practices.

Requirements

• A SAQA-recognized undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Property Management, Facilities Management, Real Estate, or a BSc in Civil, Electrical, or Building Engineering.
• A minimum of five years of experience in facilities or building management at a senior managerial level.
• A valid driver's license is essential for this role.
• Must possess a valid Pre-Entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for all aspects of facilities management, including capital works projects.
• Manage comprehensive facility assessments, including planning and budgeting for maintenance of leased, unoccupied, and surplus properties.
• Oversee the delivery of both hard (technical) and soft (support) services across the portfolio.
• Direct the physical verification and inspection of all properties, including leased buildings and vacant land.
• Ensure all facilities comply with legislative prescripts, covering health, security, and energy efficiency.
• Guarantee that landlords maintain facilities in line with OHS requirements and Service Level Agreements.
• Conduct research to identify and implement new technologies for improving efficiency and reducing costs.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Establish and enforce robust safety protocols across all facilities.
• Manage the development and implementation of maintenance plans for all government-owned facilities.
• Direct the standardization of Facilities Management processes to minimize financial and legal risks.
• Oversee facilities lease contracts and associated bidding processes.
• Ensure the optimal occupancy and space planning of all leased immovable assets.
• Manage the establishment of norms and standards for all property leases.
• Liaise with Provincial Departments to confirm lease budgets and finalize requirements.
• Manage the procurement of leases with support from the Supply Chain Management unit.
• Administer lease portfolios and contracts according to service level agreements.
• Oversee the timely payment of all property leases.
• Manage the creation of guidelines for inspecting leased properties.
• Handle the management of debtors related to utilities services.
• Direct the development of building maintenance policies and standard operating procedures.
• Sign off on performance agreements for the unit, aligning them with departmental plans.
• Manage all human resources within the unit, including discipline and development.
• Ensure personnel have the necessary equipment and resources to perform their duties.
• Provide regular performance feedback to personnel and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Mentor and coach senior personnel within the directorate.
• Determine the Human Resources needs of the unit in collaboration with Corporate Services.
• Develop and update the comprehensive service delivery and work plan for the entire unit.
• Guide personnel on departmental priorities and core business roles through regular meetings.
• Oversee skills transfer between internal personnel and external consultants.
• Plan and allocate work responsibilities to control performance and ensure quality across the unit.
• Manage the unit's funds in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
• Prevent under or overspending of the unit's allocated budget.
• Manage all client relations and stakeholder engagement for the directorate.
• Develop and align the strategic priorities and work plans of the unit with departmental goals.
• Prepare written contributions for departmental reports, including the Annual Report and Budget speeches.