Polokwane: Centre Manager posted by The Focus Group

Centre Manager

Location: Polokwane
Job Type: Full-time
Industry: Property Management / Facilities Management

Job Purpose

The Centre Manager will be responsible for managing a retail centre by optimizing trading opportunities, overseeing lease agreements, ensuring sound financial performance, and maintaining the buildings income stream. The role involves building strong relationships with tenants, service providers, and local authorities, while managing personnel, contractors, repairs, inspections, and general administration.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Management

• Conduct daily centre inspections and walkabouts.
• Liaise with tenants and identify potential issues with suggested solutions.
• Manage and guide on-site staff daily.
• Maintain updated records including:
  • OHS compliance
  • Asset register
  • Tenant and parking records
  • DB board descriptions
  • Water connections
  • Contractor contacts
  • Meter readings
  • Petty cash
  • Office equipment maintenance
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and economic factors.
• Assess tenant turnover figures and business stability.
• Ensure timely account updates and deposit returns.
• Understand local by-laws and socio-political influences.
• Use internal property systems to manage tenant accounts and turnover rentals.

Maintenance Oversight

• Implement and manage planned maintenance programs.
• Schedule inspections for DB boards, lighting, roofing, gardens, toilets, taps, and air conditioning.
• Maximize handyman utilization.
• Manage non-technical services and refer technical issues to the Property Services Manager.
• Monitor and control keys, security, consumables, parking, refuse removal, cleaning, hygiene, gardening, fire equipment, lifts, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Respond promptly and professionally to tenant queries.

Leasing

• Source and secure new leases with approval from the Property Manager.
• Negotiate lease renewals within set parameters.

Marketing & Customer Relations

• Maintain regular tenant communication through newsletters and bulletins.
• Support tenant marketing campaigns.
• Handle customer enquiries and complaints effectively.
• Chair tenant meetings and distribute minutes.
• Network with marketing suppliers and community stakeholders.
• Assist with strategy, execution, and budgeting of events and promotions.
• Attend and oversee promotional events.
• Represent the centre at industry events and support charitable initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 (Matric) and a relevant Diploma or Degree.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in property or facilities management.

Skills & Competencies

Business Skills

• Honesty, reliability, and a positive attitude.
• Strong leadership and professional conduct.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Strong moral values, empathy, and passion.
• Time management and multitasking abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Willingness to work overtime during events.
• Familiarity with project management tools and basic marketing strategies.

Human Capital Skills

• Assertive and effective communication.
• Sensitivity to client and staff needs.
• Ability to foster a professional work environment.