About the Role
Thrive People & Strategy is recruiting on behalf of a well-established residential estate in Randburg, Gauteng. The estate consists of 395 units across five sectional title schemes and two freehold villages, set within an expansive common property that forms the primary area of responsibility for the incoming Estate Manager. This is a broad, hands-on leadership role suited to a candidate who is equally comfortable engaging with a Board of Directors, managing a team of staff, coordinating security operations, and getting involved on the ground when required. The role is not responsible for the internal management of individual living units or the common properties within the respective Body Corporates.
Key Priorities:
The role carries three primary areas of accountability, in order of priority:
• Security: Ensuring the safety and security of the estate is the primary responsibility. This includes liaising with security providers, monitoring incident reports, maintaining access control systems, and overseeing the electric fence and CCTV infrastructure.
• People Management: Managing a team of approximately 8 staff members (predominantly gardeners) and working closely with the Office Manager to maintain a productive and well-run operation.
• Financial Oversight: Managing the estate’s operational budget in conjunction with the Financial Director (FD), ensuring expenditure remains within approved limits and that resources are used effectively.
Reporting Structure:
The Estate Manager is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors. Day-to-day accountability sits within a Management Committee comprising the Estate Manager, the Financial Director, the Office Manager, and the Chairman of the HOA.
Minimum Requirements:
Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in a similar Estate Manager, Facilities Manager, or General Manager role. Experience within a residential estate, homeowners’ association, or sectional title environment is strongly preferred.
Qualifications: Matric (Grade 12) is the minimum qualification. A relevant post-matric qualification in facilities management, property management, business management, or a related field is preferred.
Sectional Title Knowledge: Familiarity with the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) and the MOI is advantageous, given the multi-scheme nature of the estate, and will be given preference during candidate evaluation.
Driver’s Licence: A valid Code B or Code C driver’s licence is required. The role requires regular movement across the estate.
Background Checks: Appointment is subject to satisfactory criminal and credit record checks.
Technical Skills:
In addition to management experience, the role requires a practical, hands-on orientation. The following technical competencies will be valuable:
Equipment & Maintenance
• Ability to service or repair light equipment including brush-cutters, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and lawnmowers. Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge is an advantage.
• Practical understanding of building codes and construction fundamentals – including wall-building, plastering, painting, carpentry, and metalwork – to guide and supervise estate staff on maintenance projects.
IT & Networking
• The estate operates a shared network connecting security systems, cameras, access control systems, printers, and computers. The Estate Manager is expected to maintain basic oversight of this network – monitoring performance, identifying connectivity issues, and avoiding or resolving IP conflicts to ensure systems remain operational at all times.
Key Performance Areas:
Facilities Management
• Oversee the security of the estate, including liaison with security service providers, monitoring of incident and patrol reports, and maintenance of the electric fence and access control systems.
• Manage the servicing, maintenance, repair, replacement, and acquisition of common assets including vehicles, lawnmowers, and workshop tools.
• Maintain and improve common property including the lake, bridges, pathways, roads, clubhouse, parks, and gardens.
• Supervise general maintenance tasks such as painting, lighting installation, and bench repairs – through direct involvement, delegation, or outsourcing, in line with Board instructions.
Human Resources Management
• Foster a healthy, productive, and respectful working environment for the estate team.
• Subject to Board approval: recruit, appoint, develop, and where necessary discipline and retain competent team members.
• Manage staff leave and timesheets.
• Handle resident relations professionally, addressing queries and concerns in a timely and constructive manner.
• Ensure team deadlines are met and operational standards are maintained consistently.
Financial Management
• Provide input to the Financial Director in the preparation of the annual budget and operational strategy.
• Monitor expenditure proactively to ensure spending remains within approved budgeted amounts.
• Assist with reserve fund planning.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date fixed asset register.
• Obtain multiple quotes for purchases and contracts to ensure best value for the estate.
• Negotiate annual increases with key suppliers and contractors.
• Uphold and implement good corporate governance practices at all times.
Administration & Governance
• Attend monthly Board meetings and submit a written Estate Manager’s report.
• Provide input into the drafting, implementation, and updating of all estate policies, rules, procedures, and practices.
• Ensure all insurable assets and interests of the estate are comprehensively covered at appropriate values.
• Manage resident queries related to biometric access systems.
• Foster and maintain professional working relationships with all service providers and key stakeholders.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
Behavioural Competencies:
The successful candidate will be recognised by the following attributes:
• Reliability and follow-through – delivers on commitments consistently and without close supervision
• Problem-solving – proactive, calm, and solutions-oriented when challenges arise
• Communication – engages professionally and effectively with residents, contractors, and the Board
• Negotiation – manages supplier and contractor relationships with confidence and fairness
• Integrity – acts with honesty and transparency in all interactions
• Self-motivation and attention to detail – takes initiative and maintains high standards across all areas of responsibility
Thrive People & Strategy is an equal opportunity recruiter. All appointments will be made in line with the client’s employment equity commitments and applicable South African legislation.