Residence Manager (Stellenbosch) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A student accommodation provider is seeking an experienced Residence Manager to lead and support residence-life operations across its portfolio of residences. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in creating a safe, inclusive and learner-centred environment while managing the performance and professional development of Residence Coordinators and support staff. 
• The Residence Manager will collaborate with internal stakeholders, campus partners and external service providers to uphold organisational values and ensure operational excellence across all residences.

DUTIES:

Leadership and Staff Management

• Provide direct supervision, coaching and performance management to Residence Coordinators and administrative staff.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions and professional development initiatives.
• Support employee growth, engagement and retention.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding and training of Residence Coordinators.

Strategic Oversight and Programme Development

• Guide the planning and implementation of residential programmes aligned with institutional goals for student success, wellness, inclusion and engagement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of residence initiatives through data-driven assessments.
• Identify areas for improvement and provide appropriate recommendations.

Crisis Management and Emergency Response

• Serve as a senior point of contact within the organisation’s crisis-management structure.
• Oversee crisis-response protocols and ensure residence staff are adequately trained and prepared.
• Coordinate with campus safety, counselling and healthcare services during emergencies.
• Support the effective management and resolution of critical incidents.

Policy Enforcement and Student Conduct

• Manage student conduct matters within the residences in accordance with institutional policies.
• Ensure the fair, consistent and professional application of conduct policies across all residences.
• Train Residence Coordinators in appropriate early-intervention techniques.
• Escalate serious conduct matters to the relevant department or authority.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee facilities management across all assigned residences.
• Coordinate safety inspections, maintenance tracking and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Work closely with facilities, maintenance and residence operations teams regarding repairs.
• Coordinate move-in and move-out activities, occupancy requirements and related logistics.
• Liaise with and manage external service providers, including cleaning and security companies.
• Monitor service-level performance and ensure consistently high standards across all residences.

Occupancy and Administration

• Monitor occupancy trends and collaborate with relevant housing departments.
• Manage room changes, cancellations, placements and reallocations.
• Ensure student placement, vacancy and occupancy databases are updated accurately and timeously.
• Maintain complete and accurate administrative records.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Act as the liaison between Residence Coordinators, campus personnel and external service providers.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Address complex escalations from students and families professionally and with a solutions-focused approach.
• Communicate operational matters clearly and timeously.

Assessment and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of student engagement, incidents, operational matters and outcomes.
• Contribute to departmental assessments and management reports.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports covering incidents, service delivery, maintenance and operational performance.
• Use operational information and feedback to support continuous improvement.

Event Coordination

• Support major residence events, including orientations, welcome weekends, year-end gatherings, student activities and emergency drills.
• Coordinate event logistics, resources and staffing requirements.
• Ensure events are conducted safely and provide a positive experience for all participants.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake special projects and additional responsibilities as directed by senior management.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven ability to manage, motivate and develop a professional team.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence.
• Sound understanding of student development, residential education and crisis response.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in student housing management systems and general office technology.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience in developing and evaluating residential programmes and student-engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations and best practices governing student accommodation and higher-education housing.
• Strong conflict-resolution, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Professional, service-oriented and solutions-focused approach.