Careers at CBRE Excellerate

Job Summary

• The Head of Real Estate will lead a team of professionals managing the expansion of a complex and growing portfolio of owned and leased properties. Acting as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for real estate transactions in the region, the role requires strategic leadership, financial oversight, and collaboration with key stakeholders to drive optimal property decisions. With the client being a religious organization, the job will require a high level of honesty and integrity. A willingness to understand the fundamentals of the faith and how that impacts real estate decisions will be important to creating successful outcomes for the client.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Transaction Management

• Act as the primary Single Point of Contact for all real estate transaction management activities across the regional portfolio.
• Lead and refine the end-to-end delivery of the real estate transaction model in line with organizational goals.
• Ensure all real estate transactions adhere to client’s group standards & procedures while optimizing outcomes.
• Oversee strategic portfolio expansion through acquisitions of land, existing buildings, redevelopment opportunities and leases
• Oversee disposals, renewals and closures.
• Provide leadership on major real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with long-term property strategies.

Operational & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a regional team of asset and transaction management professionals.
• Oversee cross-country initiatives, ensuring consistency in execution across diverse markets while respecting cultural considerations.
• Establish and manage strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, Project Management and Operations teams.
• Drive staff deployment, performance management, and professional development in collaboration with HR and Finance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews between the client’s property function and the real estate team.

Financial & Risk Management

• Hold overall budgetary responsibility for the Account.
• Manage financial oversight, including staff financials and cost control in collaboration with Finance.
• Ensure adherence to risk management policies and drive corrective actions where needed.
• Provide financial analysis, due diligence, and contract negotiation support.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Be able to lead and inspire teams in a faith-based environment, ensuring all transactions reflect principles of honesty and integrity.
• Exhibit high ethical standards in decision-making, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align real estate decisions with organizational goals.
• Expertise in real estate acquisitions, leasing, and asset management.
• Ability to motivate and lead teams, driving performance and accountability.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, and cost optimization.
• Excellent client relationship management and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and operate across different cultural and regional contexts.
• High level of organizational and prioritization skills to manage a complex workload.
• Deep understanding of real estate risk management and compliance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Managerial responsibility for the regional Asset & Transaction Management team.
• Identifying training needs, performance evaluation, and professional development initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Business, Finance, or related fields.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in real estate transaction and asset management, with multinational clients.
• Experience in account and client management, with strong commercial acumen.
• Professional certifications (e.g., RICS) or equivalent real estate qualifications preferred.

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to manage complex transactions.
• Ability to operate in high-pressure environments and make strategic decisions.
• Experience in partner/vendor management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with technology-driven solutions for real estate management.
• Fluency in English (French proficiency is an advantage).

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About the position:

• Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facilities management business as predetermined by the Senior Operations Manager, ensuring efficient delivery of services, adherence to health, safety, and quality standards, and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction. This role requires strategic planning, team leadership, and operational oversight across the sites and services by managing the delivery of an integrated Facilities Management solution to the client in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with tenants and service contractors; assist in co-ordinate repairs, revamps and tenant installations; carry out inspections and general building maintenance.

What you will bring: 

• Tertiary qualification in Building/Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3- 5 years’ experience in facilities management or operations management, preferably in multi-site environments.
• Strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, cleaning, and maintenance).
• Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and client relationships.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Key skills & competencies:

• Leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Financial acumen and budget management
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Customer-focused with high attention to detail
• Proficient in FM software and Microsoft Office Suite

Working conditions:

• Office-based
• May require occasional extended hours or weekend work depending on operational need.

What you will be doing:

• Operational Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Client Relationship Management
• Financial & Resource Management
• Compliance, Health & Safety
• Continuous Improvement
• Client engagement – Ensure regular meetings and be a trusted partner and escalation point.
• People leadership – Support account teams as escalation point including HR Related issues, IT and Connectivity, Operations, Employee Engagement)
• Commercial and Contractual accountability – Full understanding and accountability of all key P&L & KPI drivers. Intimate understanding of Client contractual requirements
• Sourcing and Supplier management – Ensure effective supplier management and sourcing support.
• Internal stakeholders – Ensure smooth working relationship with all internal stakeholders.
• Sales and Growth – Partner with clients to ensure organic growth from Client
• Be part of working groups for various business development requirements.
• Project management – Assist Client where required
• Developing and presenting of business cases
• Create and track employee performance goals & KPI’s
• Drive and monitor employee training requirements
• Budget management and monthly tracking
• Support and drive client savings initiatives
   

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About the role:

• The Data Centre Shift Plant Operator is responsible for the monitoring, operation, and first-line maintenance support of critical engineering plant and infrastructure within a data centre environment. The role ensures continuous availability of mission-critical systems to achieve 100% uptime in line with contractual obligations and CBRE service delivery standards. The incumbent will operate under strict health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements in accordance with South African legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), and all applicable CBRE and client procedures. The role operates on a shift basis and requires flexibility in working hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

What you will bring:
Essential:

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a facilities, industrial plant, or critical environment.
• Basic HVAC and building services knowledge.
• Experience working with BMS systems in temperature/humidity-controlled environments.
• Working knowledge of Permit to Work systems.

Desirable:

• Electrical or Mechanical trade apprenticeship.
• Previous Data Centre experience.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Skills required:

• Ability to monitor and interpret BMS and plant alarms.
• Basic fault-finding and troubleshooting capability.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Good customer relationship skills.
• Ability to follow structured procedures.
• Ability to work shifts under pressure.
• Report writing and incident documentation skills

Knowledge required:

• HVAC systems (CRAC units, chillers, cooling towers).
• Electrical distribution systems (LV panels, UPS, generators).
• Fire detection and suppression systems.
• Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Permit to Work and Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• OHS Act requirements and safe systems of work.
• CBRE Critical Environment Risk Management methodology.

Decision Making Authority:

• Make operational decisions within approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
• Escalate critical plant alarms and risks according to escalation matrices.
• Stop unsafe work in line with OHS Act requirements.
• Approve routine permits within delegated authority.
• Recommend corrective actions for plant performance deviations

Behavioural competencies:

• Communication
• Drive and Productivity
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Accuracy

Interface/Relationships with:
Internal:

• Data Centre Operations Manager
• Shift Technicians
• Technical Specialists
• Contract Support
• Health & Safety Officers
• CBRE Projects Team

External:

• Client representatives
• Subcontractors
• OEM service providers
• Auditors and regulatory authorities

What you will bring: 

Critical Plant Monitoring & Operations:

• Monitor BMS, EMS and alarm systems continuously.
• Perform routine plant checks and inspections.
• Record plant readings and deviations.
• Execute first-line fault response.
• Escalate abnormal conditions promptly

Preventative Maintenance Support:

• Assist technicians during planned maintenance.
• Prepare plant for maintenance activities.
• Ensure safe isolation and reinstatement.
• Verify completion of maintenance tasks.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Follow Permit to Work procedures.
• Conduct pre-task risk assessments.
• Ensure PPE compliance.
• Stop unsafe acts immediately.
• Participate in toolbox talks.

Incident & Risk Management:

• Apply Critical Environment Risk Management processes.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Document incidents accurately.
• Participate in root cause investigations.

Teamwork & Client Support:

• Support subcontractor supervision.
• Maintain professional client communication.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide effective shift handovers.
   

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Main purpose / objective of the position:

• To manage and control all contracts and effectively manage the portfolio on a Regional Basis, the objective being the maximising of rental income and/or rent expenses. Take responsibility for data integrity (building and tenant). Handle audit queries. To control all aspects of Leases, i.e. Accounts and Financial. To oversee the financial processes and reporting to clients. To establish and maintain effective support services for the property management functions of the portfolio.

Operational Deliverables:
Will include, but not limited to:

• Manage leasing and lease renewals, rent reviews, negotiations and documentation relating to obtaining approvals and acceptance of leases, facilitating the signing of lease agreements (from a Landlord and Tenant perspective).
• Oversee and verify the capturing of all new lease agreements, lease renewals, reassessments and lease corrections on SAP.
• Assist accounting services, (Credit control), by arranging invoicing of rentals, adjustments, reconciliations, variance reporting and customer creation.
• Compile deviation reports and communicate. Implement preventative steps to prevent recurring.
• Keep, maintain and update detailed monthly status updates of own building and lease classifications.
• Compile property related reporting schedules. Actively managing expiry profile of portfolio.
• Actively maintain a reminder system to ensure finalisation of all matters pertaining to lease administration.
• Oversee tenant and landlord management and administration, i.e. tenant retention by meeting with tenants and responding to their needs.
• Assist and interact with Business Units and Third Parties in respect of additional space requirements and maintenance requirements.
• Ensure resolution of queries within specified SLA requirements. Pro-actively manage and deliver on solutions.

Decision making authority:

• Works within the broad framework of existing policies and guidelines, as amended from time to time. Required to work strictly within prescribed rules, routines & standards.

Experience / Education / Knowledge:

• Grade 12 or relevant qualification equal to NQF level 4
• Additional Property related qualification of any NQF 5 or higher
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Property Management, Business or Accounting will be an advantage
• At least 5 years relevant experience in Property Management/Administration, i.e. leasing administration, financial accounting and negotiation/communication skills, directly interfacing with clients and providing general administrative support services
• Knowledge of South Africa’s property industry, property markets and general administration/Accounting/Finance acumen.
• Knowledge of Asset Management and knowledge of the legal requirements of the essentials of a lease agreement
• ERP Systems and Procedures, general business and property management acumen, house rules, service contractors, insurance policies and procedures

Skills required:

• Typing, Computer literacy (Advanced MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, Power Point, Contract Creation & Procurement system, SAP)
• Financial calculation and reporting skills
• Administration and organisational skills
• Presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical/sound numeracy skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Competencies required: Communication (both verbal and written)
• Customer and quality focus
• Drive and productivity
• Interpretation of legal contracts and negotiations
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Methodical
• Problem solving
• Be able to handle stress in demanding situations
• Attention to deadlines
• Initiative
• Self confidence
• Assertiveness
• Impact and Influence
• Teamwork and co-operation
• Self-starter
• Integrity
• Diligent
   

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About the role:

• This role delivers client service by taking inbound calls and making outbound calls in adherence to procedural, productivity and quality standards. The incumbent is individually accountable for achieving results through own efforts.

Decision making authority:

• Works independently within a broad framework of existing policies and guidelines. Fast and efficient handling of queries. Facilitate the smooth flow of documentation between company offices. Reporting. Ensures that more complex queries are escalated appropriately and resolved.

What you will bring:

• Matric
• 3-5 years relevant experience.

Skills required:

• Time management, attention for details, Accuracy of processing, achieving deadlines, interpersonal skills, reconciliations, administration, telephony, customer services

Knowledge required:

• Computer literate including Ms Office
• Technical Knowledge

Competencies required:

• Problem solving and decision making; teamwork and co-operation; self-confidence; communication; resilience; initiative; compliance; drive and productivity; methodical.

Major drivers of work volume:

• Client Service Delivery, Personal effectiveness, Quality Assurance

Interface / relationships with:

• Internal: Procurement, ICT, Accounts Payable, Facilities Managers, Property Management staff
• External: Clients, tenants, Customers, Vendors

What you will be doing:

• Attend to calls & requests directed through the call centre from 00:00 - 23:59.
• Assign & generate job cards for clients, technicians and suppliers.
• Communication with Facilities Managers relating to calls.
• Follow up with clients/tenants & technicians re job cards issued.
• Create purchase orders accurately by processing on our systems.
• Share purchase orders to service providers.
• Ensure processing is accurately done.
• Fast & efficient handling of queries with vendors/tenants/suppliers.
• Ensure that a high level of service is maintained between clients (internal & external).
• Maintain the administration & filing system for all documentation.
• Facilitate the smooth flow of documentation between company offices.
• Provide reception duties.