Facilities & Maintenance Manager at Durban University of Technology

Minimum Requirements:

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering, or a related field in the Built Environment.
• At least 5 years’ experience in engineering maintenance management, including responsibility for HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems and supervision of technical staff and contractors.
• Registered Professional (PrEng/PrTechEng).
• Valid Driver’s Licence (essential for campus mobility).

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs for mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Conduct diagnostics, inspections, and audits of all technical systems for safety and reliability.
• Coordinate the operation of technical infrastructure supporting all campuses (power, HVAC, water, waste).
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for facilities operations and maintenance processes.
• Manage the procurement, appointment, and performance of external maintenance contractors and service providers.
• Develop clear specifications and service-level agreements (SLAs) for all outsourced services.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and site audits to ensure adherence to DUT’s quality and operational expectations.
• Facilitate contract renewals, variations, and terminations in line with institutional procurement policies.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate the facilities and maintenance team to achieve operational excellence and service delivery targets.
• Allocate tasks, monitor performance, and ensure accountability through performance agreements and reviews.
• Identify skills gaps and facilitate training, coaching, and continuous development of team members.
• Manage succession planning and staff development to ensure business continuity in critical areas.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual maintenance budget and ensure expenditure remains within approved limits.
• Track operational costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction and resource optimisation.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with institutional and legislative requirements. Review and approve financial documents related to maintenance projects, contracts, and operational expenses.
• Maintain asset registers and ensure accurate reporting of maintenance-related costs.
• Reporting and Continuous Improvement