Maintenance Manager at Excellerate JHI

About the role

• We are seeking a skilled and experienced Maintenance Manager to oversee the maintenance of retail facilities including tiling, painting, plumbing, ablutions, mall signages, lifting equipment, signal network (MTN, Vodacom, OpenFibre) and contractor management, ensuring high standards, safety, and cost efficiency.

What you will bring

Inherent requirements for the position (non-negotiable)

• Tertiary qualifications in Project Management, Construction Management, or similar technical fields.
• Strong technical background and skills.
• Between 5 to 7 years’ experience in Facilities Management within large-scale retail, commercial, or industrial property environments.
• Additional demonstrable requirements:
• Strong administrative skills, including reporting and adherence to administration principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Effective planning, organizing, and time management abilities.
• Own transport and a valid driver’s license.
• Understanding of lease conditions and house rules and housekeeping principles
• Proficient in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Acts.
• Basic knowledge of the Building Control Act (BCE).
• Advanced technical knowledge related to facilities management.
• Experience in contract management.
• Computer literacy (MS Office).

What you will be doing

Building & Infrastructure Maintenance:

• Oversee the maintenance of all building elements, including flooring (tiles), walls, ceilings, piping, and structural components.
• Ensure that all public areas, tenant spaces, and service areas are maintained to a high standard of safety and presentation.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify defects, wear and tear, and potential risks.
• Coordinate and manage repairs to prevent further deterioration and to ensure the longevity of assets.
• Ensure that all mall signage, including directional and height restriction signage, is maintained in good condition and clearly visible.

Ablution & Hygiene Facilities:

• Manage maintenance of all ablution facilities including toilets, urinals, basins, taps, and associated plumbing.
• Ensure facilities are fully functional, clean, and compliant with hygiene and health standards.
• Respond quickly to leaks, blockages, and equipment failures to minimize downtime.
• Monitor water usage and identify inefficiencies or wastage.

Plumbing & Water Systems:

• Oversee maintenance and repairs of all plumbing systems including piping, drainage, sewer lines, and water supply systems.
• Ensure proper functioning of pumps, valves, and water reticulation systems (Mechanical only).
• Coordinate emergency repairs for burst pipes, leaks, and blockages.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are implemented to avoid system failures.

Finishes (Tiling, Painting & General Repairs):

• Manage all tiling works including repairs, replacements, and installations across the facility.
• Oversee painting projects (internal and external) ensuring high-quality finishes aligned with retail standards.
• Ensure consistency in finishes across common areas and tenant-facing spaces.
• Inspect completed work to ensure durability and aesthetic quality.

Contractor Management (External Maintenance):

• Source, appoint, and manage contractors for tiling, plumbing, welding, carpentry, and painting services.
• Develop and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with contractors.
• Monitor contractor performance, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and budgets and consumable stock.
• Ensure contractors comply with health and safety regulations and site rules.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and maintain an approved contractor database.

People Management:

• Supervise the Maintenance Coordinator and all maintenance staff.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor daily maintenance tasks, including work orders and job cards.
• Ensure effective communication between internal teams, tenants, and external contractors.
• Prioritise urgent repairs while effectively managing planned maintenance activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the maintenance team, including the Maintenance Coordinator.
• Establish clear performance objectives and regularly monitor team performance.
• Provide ongoing training and support to enhance technical and operational capabilities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the team.

Preventative Maintenance & Inspections:

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans for all building systems and finishes.
• Schedule routine inspections to identify and address maintenance issues proactively.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, and asset registers.
• Reduce reactive maintenance through proactive planning and early intervention.

Budget & Cost Control:

• Prepare and manage the annual maintenance budget.
• Monitor expenditure and ensure cost control across all maintenance activities.
• Obtain quotations and negotiate pricing with contractors and suppliers.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or safety.

Compliance & Safety Management:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and building regulations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.
• Enforce safe working practices for all staff and contractors.
• Ensure proper use of permits, PPE, and safety procedures on-site.