Executive Director at University of Cape Town

• The Executive Director will lead the strategic management, development and optimisation of UCT’s extensive and diverse multi-site property and infrastructure portfolio. The role is responsible for ensuring that the University’s physical assets, facilities, services and infrastructure are effectively planned, developed, maintained and leveraged to support excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and social responsiveness, while advancing environmental sustainability, operational effectiveness and long-term institutional resilience.
• The successful candidate will provide leadership across all functions relating to property and infrastructure management, including capital development projects, property portfolio management, facilities and custodial services, maintenance, transport, safety, security, space planning and campus development. The Executive Director will also play a key role in identifying opportunities to optimise asset value, supporting strategic partnerships, advancing precinct development and contributing to sustainable revenue diversification and the longterm sustainability of the University.

Requirements for the position:

• Education in Engineering, the Built Environment, Property Studies, Commerce or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree.
• Professional registration with a relevant statutory or professional body where applicable (for example ECSA, SACAP, SACQSP, SAPOA, SAFMA or equivalent recognised professional bodies).
• At least ten (10) years' relevant experience in a senior or executive leadership role within a large, complex multi-site real estate, property, infrastructure or built-environment organisation.
• Experience in and a sound understanding of safety, security and facilities management, including the application of relevant technologies and innovative systems to enhance operational effectiveness, risk management and service delivery.
• Experience in developing, implementing and maintaining integrated and sustainable spatial frameworks for large-scale urban precincts (a knowledge of campus planning and design would be advantageous)
• Experience in managing a portfolio of property assets at both strategic and operational levels
• Experience in safety, security and facilities management, including the application of relevant technologies, integrated management systems and innovative solutions to enhance operational effectiveness, risk management and service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and transform a large, complex and multidisciplinary department through effective organisational, people and change leadership, including the leadership and development of senior managers and professional teams, while fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, innovation, collaboration and service excellence.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including strategic thinking, vision, critical analysis, creativity, accountability, integrity, sound judgement and the ability to build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding of the South African higher education environment will be advantageous.

Closing date: 05 July 2026