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 portfolios 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

### Financial & Commercial Management (NOI Optimization)

• 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.

### Tenant Retention & Relationship Management

• 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.
• Champion a high-quality tenant experience, recognizing the distinct needs of each asset class (e.g., student well-being in PBSA vs. footfall/turnover drivers in Retail).
• Handle and resolve complex tenant complaints and lease disputes efficiently and legally.

### Leasing & Marketing

• 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.

### Operational & Facilities Oversight (Matrix Management)

• Provide strategic and functional oversight to the dedicated Facilities Manager, ensuring the physical assets are maintained to the highest standards.
• Ensure that shared services (FM) and external contractors adhere to strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) regarding planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance, cleaning, and security.
• Ensure total adherence to Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) legislation, fire compliance, and municipal bylaws across all properties. Conduct regular site inspections alongside the Facilities Manager.
• Collaborate with the FM team to identify, budget for, and oversee capital expenditure (Capex) projects, upgrades, and tenant installations (TI).

### Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the performance of the Property Administrator, ensuring high standards in lease administration, query resolution, and day-to-day tenant communication.
• Foster a highly collaborative environment between Property Management, Facilities Management, and Finance to ensure a seamless, “one-team” approach to portfolio management.
• Conduct regular KPIs assessments and development discussions with direct reports.

Requirements

• Education & Professional Memberships:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Property Studies, Real Estate, Finance, or Business Management.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications (Bachelor’s, LLB, Matric, etc.).

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and operational Property Portfolio Manager to oversee a portfolio of NSFAS-accredited student accommodation. This role requires a leader who can think beyond day-to-day operations, conceptualize and implement strategies to maximize asset potential, optimize returns, and manage complex risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and formalize strategic plans for the portfolio, providing recommendations to optimize value, streamline operations, and balance risk.
• Drive property improvement initiatives, including renovations and upgrades, while minimizing disruption to the academic calendar.
• Utilize market research to inform marketing and tenant procurement strategies, ensuring the ideal tenant mix.
• Manage capital expenditure for refurbishments and facility enhancements to ensure return on investment.
• Maintain and manage the financial model for the portfolio, translating strategic plans into clear financial figures and valuations.

Financial & Risk Management

• Conduct monthly performance analysis against budgets and industry benchmarks.
• Perform annual risk assessments focused on NSFAS compliance, university payment cycles, and student safety.
• Oversee tenant accounts, liaising with relevant stakeholders to resolve bulk payment and individual arrears issues.

Operations & Administration

• Align operational output with strategic objectives, bridging the gap between on-site teams and head office.
• Ensure lease and property administration is legally compliant, POPIA-aligned, and efficient, especially during high-volume intake periods.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tenants and service providers, serving as escalation point for student representatives and university housing departments.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead and assess staff across property management, student liaison, and maintenance functions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and foster a high-performance culture focused on student welfare and asset protection.

Requirements

### Education & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Property Studies, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, or Finance.
• Minimum 5 years experience in property management with exposure to asset management. Experience in the student accommodation (PBSA) sector is essential.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Strong financial modelling skills and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.