Stellenbosch: Property Portfolio Manager

About the Role

The Property Portfolio Manager acts as the commercial custodian for a highly diversified, multi-asset property portfolio located in and around the Western Cape. The primary objective of this role is to take absolute ownership of the portfolio’s financial performance (with a strict focus on maximizing Net Operating Income), drive tenant retention strategies across varying asset classes, and ensure rigorous operational and statutory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, manage, and take ultimate accountability for the annual income and expenditure budgets across all assets in the portfolio.
• Identify and implement strategies to maximize Net Operating Income by driving rental growth, reducing vacancies, and strictly controlling operating expenses without compromising asset quality.
• Monitor arrears, enforce debtor control policies, and resolve outstanding tenant arrears swiftly to optimize cash flow.
• Oversee the accurate billing and recovery of municipal utilities, operating costs, and other tenant-recoverable expenses.
• Compile monthly management reports for the Regional Head, detailing financial performance, variance analysis, leasing activity, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Act as the point of escalation and relationship manager for key tenants across the Commercial, Retail, Industrial, PBSA, and Residential sectors.
• Proactively manage lease expiries. Initiate renewal negotiations well in advance (tailored to the specific asset class) to maximize the Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) and minimize void periods.
• Handle and resolve complex tenant complaints and lease disputes efficiently and legally.
• Drive the letting of vacant space. Appoint, brief, and manage external leasing brokers where necessary, while actively pursuing direct deals.
• Negotiate commercial terms (rentals, escalations, Tenant Installation allowances, beneficial occupation) in line with approved mandates.
• Continuously monitor the Stellenbosch and greater Western Cape property market to keep abreast of market rentals, competitor activity, and emerging trends in the mixed-use and student accommodation sectors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Property Studies, Real Estate, Finance, or Business Management.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in a Property Portfolio Management or similar role.
• Proven experience managing a diverse, multi-sector portfolio. Specific exposure to Private Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Retail alongside traditional Commercial/Industrial assets will be a distinct advantage.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications: None mentioned