Grahamstown: OPERATIONS, FACILITIES AND IT DIRECTOR posted by Smartstuff Solutions

About the Role

The Operations, Facilities and IT Director is a strategic leader responsible for the effective management, maintenance, and development of the College’s physical and technological environments, as well as its operational support services. The role requires a balance of strategic planning, operational leadership, regulatory compliance, and financial management to ensure that the College campus remains a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the school’s operational and infrastructure strategy
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team
• Advise the Head/Principal on operational, technological, and infrastructure risks
• Lead business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management planning
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and operational functionality of all buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and equipment across the campus
• Implement preventative maintenance programmes to ensure the long-term sustainability of College assets
• Manage relationships with external contractors, consultants, and service providers
• Maintain an asset register and monitor the condition of key infrastructure
• Manage capital projects, renovations, and new construction
• Ensure boarding houses are maintained to high standards of safety, functionality, and comfort
• Oversee facilities services supporting boarding operations, including maintenance, cleaning, and laundry services
• Ensure sports fields, courts, and related infrastructure are maintained to appropriate standards for training, fixtures, and events
• Provide operational oversight of the outsourced catering provider ensuring value for money and contractual performance
• Manage the maintenance and development of the Colleges gardens, grounds, and outdoor spaces
• Oversee cleaning services to ensure high standards of hygiene and presentation across academic, boarding, and administrative facilities
• Oversee campus security operations, including access control, visitor management, and perimeter security
• Oversee the management, maintenance, and compliance of the College vehicle fleet, including buses and staff vehicles
• Implement and monitor health and safety policies across the campus
• Develop and manage facilities, IT and operational budgets responsibly
• Monitor expenditure and identify cost-effective operational solutions
• Ensure procurement of goods and services complies with College financial policies
• Lead and supervise operational staff including maintenance, cleaning, grounds, and related teams
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability structures
• Identify training and development opportunities for operational staff
• Support the operational requirements of College events, sports fixtures, and community activities
• Establish IT policies, standards, and governance frameworks
• Manage major technology vendors and service providers, ensuring value for money and contractual performance
• Ensure cybersecurity measures are in place to protect school systems and data
• Identify and mitigate IT risks, including risks related to cyber threats and system failures
• Promote environmentally responsible campus practices
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, water use, and sustainable campus operations

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead operational teams and manage multiple service functions
• Ability to balance long-term facilities planning with day-to-day operational demands
• Understanding of building maintenance, infrastructure systems, compliance standards, facilities operations, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity principles, and POPIA and data protection practices
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, and procurement processes
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with leadership, staff, students, and service providers
• Ability to respond effectively to operational challenges and changing priorities within a school environment

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and Team Management
• Strategic and Operational Planning
• Technical Knowledge
• Financial Management
• Communication and Collaboration
• Problem Solving and Adaptability
• Work Environment