Cape Town City Centre: Centre Manager

Job Title: Centre Manager Location Retail Shopping Centre (Portfolio-based – location specific) Job Purpose The Centre Manager is responsible for the overall management and performance of a retail shopping centre. The role oversees operations, tenant relations, facilities coordination, financial performance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the asset achieves optimal commercial returns and maintains high operational standards. The Centre Manager acts as the key representative of the landlord and ensures the centre operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with strategic objectives. Key Responsibilities 1. Asset & Operational Management Oversee the daily operations of the shopping centre. Ensure high standards of cleanliness, security, maintenance, and presentation. Monitor facilities performance in collaboration with the Facilities Manager. Conduct regular site inspections to ensure compliance and operational excellence. Ensure all building systems and services operate efficiently. 2. Financial Management Prepare and manage the centre’s operational budget (Opex). Monitor income, expenditure, and recoveries. Review monthly financial reports, including variances. Oversee rental collections in collaboration with credit control. Support rental optimisation strategies and turnover monitoring. Assist in Capex planning and implementation. 3. Tenant & Leasing Support Build and maintain strong relationships with tenants. Address and resolve tenant queries and escalations. Support leasing activities, renewals, and tenant installations. Monitor tenant performance and compliance with lease terms. Ensure tenant mix supports asset strategy and footfall growth. 4. Risk & Compliance Management Ensure compliance with statutory regulations (Health & Safety, fire, municipal). Maintain up-to-date compliance documentation. Oversee emergency preparedness and risk mitigation plans. Manage insurance claims and risk incidents where applicable. 5. Marketing & Trading Performance Collaborate with marketing teams to support centre campaigns and events. Monitor footfall and trading densities. Support initiatives aimed at increasing customer engagement and turnover. Engage anchor tenants and major retailers on performance discussions. 6. Contractor & Service Provider Management Oversee service providers (security, cleaning, maintenance). Ensure SLAs are met and performance standards maintained. Approve invoices and manage service contracts. Conduct regular performance reviews. 7. Stakeholder Management Act as the key point of contact for tenants, service providers, and landlords. Maintain professional relationships with municipal authorities and governing bodies. Provide regular reporting to asset management and senior leadership. Represent the centre in stakeholder meetings and forums. Qualifications Degree or Diploma in: Property Studies Business Management Finance Facilities Management Or related field Professional property qualification (advantageous). Experience Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in retail property or centre management. Proven experience managing a retail shopping centre. Strong exposure to financial management and budgeting. Experience working with tenants and leasing teams. Multi-site or large regional centre experience (advantageous). Knowledge Requirements Retail property management principles. Lease agreements and rental structures. Budgeting and financial reporting. Health & Safety and building compliance regulations. Tenant mix strategy and retail performance metrics. Contractor and SLA management. Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and people management skills. Financial acumen and commercial awareness. Excellent negotiation and relationship-building ability. Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability. High level of organisational and planning skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities. Strong reporting and presentation skills. Proficiency in MS Office and property management systems. Behavioural Competencies Commercially driven and results-oriented. Strong accountability and ownership mindset. Professional and confident communicator. Calm under pressure and decisive. Service-focused and tenant-centric. Ethical and high integrity. Proactive and strategic thinker. Work Context Based at a retail shopping centre. Responsible for operational and financial performance of the asset. High interaction with tenants, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Accountable for centre Opex budget. May oversee on-site operational staff and facilities teams.