Operations Manager (Retail) - Vaal Mall at Growthpoint Properties

Job Purpose

Responsible for providing technical and managerial expertise pertaining to the maintenance of the retail centre. Ensures operational budget management, mechanical or electrical engineering services and management of service providers on site. Ensures reliable and safe continuous operation in accordance with statutory requirements and regulations in the building/equipment under his/her control. Ensure optimum utility performance of the building.

Duties and responsibilities

Budget Management 

• To prepare, manage and load the technical budget (Capex and R&M) including forecasts and budget variance reports.
• To prepare required technical and financial reports and feedback  to management.

Asset Maintenance and Management 

• To set and implement planned / preventative / emergency maintenance in conjunction with the Line Managers and Facility Managers, as well as disaster and emergency planning.
• To manage both “hard” and “soft” services, monitoring the quality of services and deliverables including monthly KPI management provided by suppliers, ensuring they are within budget by negotiating the most advantageous pricing structure.
• To ensure that life cycle planning and preventative maintenance plans over a 3–5-year period are set for property under management.
• To ensure effective asset control by setting and managing the asset register, on the Growthpoint Management Service Desk (GMSD).
• Oversee and control all maintenance/stock control inventory / spares and tools.
• To implement energy saving programs (‘green’ principles), environmental and sustainability methodology.
• Effective management of the utilization of municipal and utility management to ensure optimum recovery ratios.
• Monthly management of utility reports, including billings and associated meetings with utility consultants, as well as implementation to resolve issues.
• Manage and scrutinise monthly and daily solar performance and reports (if applicable).
• To conduct inspections, including technical, housekeeping, service contract and take on and take back inspections.
• Manage borehole installations to optimal performance and the reporting thereof.
• Assume responsibility for the security of all the Centre facilities.
• Identify security threats and develop action plans for the prevention of incidents.
• Establish and maintain security systems for the Centre and tenants.
• Establish and maintain security information network.
• Liaise with SAPS and other local authorities.
• Establish and practice regular emergency and evacuation plans of the Centre.
• Ensure all buildings, grounds and equipment are maintained and in optimal working condition.
• Stay abreast of changing technical market trends.

Health and Safety/Risk Management

• To ensure that compliance is maintained with building and statutory regulations, as per the Health and Safety Act and ASIB requirements.
• Ensure all internal systems are updated.
• To register and monitor insurance processes to finality.

Procurement 

• To contribute to the specifications to SLAs for approved service providers in conjunction with the Procurement team, including company procurement strategy.
• Ensure all contractors appointed are in line with Procurement policies.

Administration and Process Management

• Assist in developing policies and procedures for Centre operations.
• Ensure all administrative functions required of the role.

People Management

• Skills development - Identify skills gaps as well as the required training for the team members in your team and mentor them. 
• Manage and coordinate staff activities and deliverables, implementing work schedules and effectively using the company performance and development management system.
• Drive the overall engagement and alignment of the team.

Customer relations

• To manage and respond timeously to technical complaints and queries received from clients and identify trends in complaints.
• To manage the relationship with the tenants, including tenant installations and asserting budgetary control.

Requirements

Experience 

• Minimum 5 years Property or Built Environment experience within a Retail shopping centre environment. 
• Experience with Solar installations and Generators.
• Experience in working with Local Economic Development or Business Forums.

Qualifications

• A Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering/ Building Science/ Facilities Management. 

Competencies

• Strong understanding of Property Management.
• Good knowledge of safety, fire and emergency procedures
• Good knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Computer literate (full MS package)
• Well-developed report writing skills
• Financial, Budgeting and cost control experience
• Familiar with service level agreements (SLA’s) and lease agreements
• Stakeholder management skills
• Project Management skills
• Mechanical / Technical / Electrical knowledge will be advantageous
• Utility management experience / knowledge will be advantageous
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills especially in communication to clients and suppliers