Job Summary
Are you someone who spots what’s broken, understands why it’s broken, and gets it sorted?A privately owned property group is looking for an Operations Manager to take ownership of a busy retail centre in Pretoria. This is a hands-on role in a business that takes its assets seriously and expects the same from its operators.
You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the building: maintenance, security, cleaning, contractors, shop fit-outs, service providers and all the operational issues that come with a live retail environment. One moment it’s a breakdown, the next it’s a contractor issue, a retailer problem, or a compliance matter that needs attention. You’ll need to stay on top of planned maintenance, budgets and service delivery while keeping everything moving. The key requirement is simple: see the problem, understand it, fix it.
Retail experience is useful, but not essential. Strong candidates could come from facilities management, construction, building services or technical operations. The retail side can be learned, operational instinct and accountability cannot. You’ll need to be comfortable dealing directly with contractors, understanding building systems, challenging quotes, prioritising urgent work and making practical decisions under pressure.
This is a busy centre, so organisation matters. You’ll be juggling multiple issues at once and need to stay calm, structured and in control. Around 5+ years’ relevant experience is expected, along with a relevant qualification. And yes, this is a live operational environment, so occasional after-hours callouts will be part of the job.
If you’re a natural problem-solver who prefers fixing things to explaining why they’re still broken, this is a strong fit.