Director at Vaal University of Technology

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Key performance areas include but are not limited to:

• Providing strategic leadership and governance of the student accommodation and catering portfolio.
• Overseeing a large-scale accommodation system, including university residences and private accommodation partnerships.
• Driving financial sustainability and revenue generation to ensure full cost recovery of operations.
• Managing high-value contracts and service providers, including catering, maintenance, and accommodation partners.
• Ensuring effective delivery and continuous improvement of catering services, including expansion of access (e.g., kiosks and satellite services).
• Overseeing infrastructure, maintenance, and facilities management of residences.
• Leading the implementation of living and learning programmes to enhance student success, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
• Managing a large and diverse workforce and promoting a high-performance culture.
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and student safety across all accommodation platforms.
• Monitoring performance, reporting on key outcomes, and driving continuous improvement.
• Building and maintaining strategic stakeholder relationships internally and externally.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:

Qualifications and Experience:

• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Management, Higher Education, the Built Environment, or Hospitality Professional certifications in facilities management, property or housing management, project management, or hospitality management will be an added advantage
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience
• At least 5 years at senior management level
• Experience in large-scale accommodation or property management.
• Contract and service provider management
• Financial and revenue management
• Experience in higher education or the public sector is preferred

Skills:

• Strategic leadership and institutional alignment
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Contract and service provider management
• Infrastructure and facilities management
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
• Student development and residence life expertise
• Governance, risk, and compliance management

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 MAY 2026