About the position
Role Overview
The Commercial Property Manager is responsible for maximising the financial performance of an allocated commercial property portfolio while ensuring that buildings are maintained to an appropriate standard and tenants receive professional, consistent service. The role requires strong leasing, operational, financial, and relationship-management capabilities, as well as the ability to manage onsite staff and service providers.
Key Responsibilities Leasing & Revenue Optimisation
- Oversee new leases, renewals, and expansions within the allocated property portfolio
- Achieve budgeted renewal escalations and revenue growth targets
- Ensure leases are renewed before expiry dates
- Manage monthly and indefinite tenants in line with agreed targets
- Improve year-on-year tenant retention
- Ensure strict adherence to lease agreements and manage tenant breaches effectively
- Prepare and review lease documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Manage tenant vacates, ensuring units are vacated timeously both physically and administratively
- Oversee vacate inspections and reinstatement processes within agreed timeframes
- Ensure vacant units are well maintained and in a lettable condition
- Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with tenants
Property Portfolio Management
- Manage and oversee a designated commercial property portfolio
- Upgrade identified tenants to the required operational and compliance standards
- Maintain and improve the quality of buildings through effective maintenance planning
- Identify buildings requiring upgrades and participate in project meetings where required
- Maintain awareness of ongoing projects within the portfolio
- Conduct regular building inspections (minimum bi-weekly)
- Compile and submit required reports timeously, including site visit reports and portfolio reports
- Support credit control processes and assist in managing tenant arrears
- Participate in the annual budgeting and forecasting process
- Manage operational expenses to achieve Net Property Income targets
- Attend and contribute to management and reporting meetings
- Ensure effective supervision and development of building staff in line with HR policies
- Complete all administrative tasks required for effective property management
Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement
- Respond to internal and external queries professionally and efficiently
- Deliver a high standard of customer service to tenants, clients, and stakeholders
- Maintain positive working relationships with team members and internal departments
- Actively contribute to community-building initiatives within the portfolio
Operational & Compliance Oversight
- Oversee basic technical and maintenance matters
- Ensure compliance with relevant municipal legislation, building regulations, and health and safety requirements
- Monitor service providers and onsite staff performance
- Ensure properties are managed in line with industry best practices
Requirements Qualifications & Experience
- 3-year business and/or property-related qualification (preferred)
- Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) Fidelity Fund Certificate – NQF Level 4 (required)
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in commercial property management (preferred)
- Valid driver’s license (required)
Skills & Knowledge
- Commercial leasing and negotiation skills
- Understanding of credit control principles
- Strong financial and budget management ability
- Knowledge of commercial property market trends and rentals
- Conflict management and problem-solving skills
- Solid time management and organisational ability
- Working knowledge of municipal legislation, health and safety regulations, and building regulations
- Basic understanding of building maintenance
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- Experience with property management systems (MDA advantageous)
Personal Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking ability
- High stress tolerance and adaptability
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Assertive, confident, and self-directed
- Strong leadership and people-management capability
- Persuasive with strong negotiation skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
- Team-oriented with a professional, service-driven mindset
Working Conditions
- Office-based and site-based work
- Regular travel between properties
- May be required to work after hours when operationally necessary
Desired Skills:
- Asset Management
- Commercial Properties
- Compliance
- Credit Control
- Facilities Management
- Leasing
- MDA Accounting
