Property Portfolio Manager

Reference: 10816 SJ Consultant: Sone Johnson

• Strategic Planning & Asset Management
  • Strategic Direction: Formalise a strategic plan for the portfolio and make recommendations to the Portfolio Executive regarding value-maximization, streamlining, and risk balancing. You will actively look for ways to optimize the "yield per bed" and student value proposition.
  • Property Improvement: Drive the improvement of the property (upgrades, renovations, development) to achieve its maximum potential. This includes managing the delicate balance of upgrading facilities without disrupting the academic year.
  • Market Intelligence: Utilise market research and market intelligence to deliver on the marketing strategy. This includes identifying target markets (specific faculties or universities), compiling the ideal tenant mix (bursary vs. private students), and overseeing tenant procurement strategies.
  • CapEx Control: Control capital expenditure for refurbishments and improvements. You will be responsible for ensuring CapEx projects-such as creating study labs or upgrading Wi Fi infrastructure-deliver a return on investment.
  • Extremely strong grasp of Excel and financial models: You will be required to be the primary custodian of the financial model for the student portfolio as a whole. This will include modelling scenarios and debt and translating strategic plans into clear financial figures and valuations.
• Financial & Risk Management
  • Performance Analysis: Conduct a monthly performance analysis of the property in terms of performance against budgets and relevant industry benchmarks (e.g., cost per bed ratios).
  • Risk Analysis: Conduct an annual risk and exposure analysis and review of current and potential risks, specifically focusing on NSFAS accreditation risks, university payment cycles, and student safety/security protocols.
  • Account Management: Ensure the effective management of tenant accounts as it relates to the interaction with relevant stakeholders (NSFAS, University Financial Aid Offices, Bursars) and ensure the necessary resolution of relevant issues regarding bulk payments and individual student arrears.
• Operations & Administration
  • Operational Alignment: Align, interpret, and implement the actual output of property and lease administration and operational functions with the output expected by business operations. You must bridge the gap between "on the ground" building managers and "head office" strategy.
  • Head Lease Administration: Ensure that property and lease administration is well administered. This involves overseeing the high volume intake season (Jan/Feb) to ensure all lease agreements are POPIA compliant and legally sound under the Rental Housing Act.
  • Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with tenants (students) and service providers. You will act as the escalation point for Student Representative Councils (SRCs) and University Housing departments.
• Leadership & Staff Management
  • Team Leadership: Assess staff functions within the respective functional areas (Building Managers, Student Liaison Officers, Maintenance teams).
  • Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews and effectively manage all reporting staff to ensure a high-performance culture that prioritises student welfare and asset protection.

• Tertiary qualification in Property Studies, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, or Finance.
• Minimum 5+ years in Property Management with exposure to asset management.
• Experience in the Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is non negotiable.

• Email your comprehensive CV to .
• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered in order to avoid duplicity on our system.
• We reserve the right to only conduct interviews with candidates of choice.

Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must please accept their application as unsuccessful.