Job Summary
If you understand that student accommodation is fundamentally different from traditional property management, and you enjoy operating where strategy, operations and performance intersect, this is a role worth exploring. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of a purpose-built student accommodation portfolio and to influence how those assets perform financially, operationally and socially over the long term.The business behind this role is an established property group with a growing presence in the student accommodation sector. They take a long-term, hands-on approach to their assets, with a strong focus on compliance, innovation and sustainable value creation. The culture is commercial, accountable and practical, favouring active portfolio management over passive ownership.
The Portfolio Manager will oversee a portfolio of NSFAS-accredited student accommodation assets and operate well beyond day-to-day property management. This is a strategic role focused on optimising asset performance, improving yield per bed, managing risk and ensuring alignment with regulatory and accreditation requirements. The role involves developing asset strategies, analysing performance against budgets and benchmarks, overseeing capital projects, and translating operational realities into robust financial models and feasibilities.
A key part of the position is acting as the link between on-site teams and senior leadership. You will lead operational teams, manage high-volume intake periods, and ensure leasing, compliance and operations support portfolio strategy. Regular engagement with NSFAS, universities and internal executives forms part of the role, along with managing complex payment cycles and stakeholder relationships. Strong financial acumen is essential, as the role carries responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling and performance analysis.
The ideal candidate will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in property or finance and have at least five years’ experience in property management with clear asset management exposure. Direct experience in student accommodation is essential, along with strong analytical skills, confidence at senior stakeholder level and a practical understanding of leases, operations and compliance in a high-volume environment.
For someone looking to take ownership of a specialised portfolio and play a meaningful role in shaping both asset performance and the student experience, this is a compelling next step.
