Deputy Director: Facilities (P6)
Job Details
- Position: Deputy Director: Facilities (P6)
- Institution: Central University of Technology, Free State
- Division: Resources and Operations
- Department: Estates and Infrastructure – Facility Operations
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus (responsible for both Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses)
- Employment Type: Permanent Support Services
- Closing Date: 05 June 2026
- Salary: R1,235,235 per annum (Total Cost to Company)
Main Purpose of the Position
To oversee and manage the maintenance, operations, logistics, facilities, and physical infrastructure of the university across the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses. The role ensures that university facilities, assets, and support services are maintained efficiently, safely, and in compliance with relevant legislation and institutional policies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Facilities Management Strategy and Policy Development
- Develop, implement, and review facilities management policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with university governance requirements and industry best practices.
- Establish operational standards for facilities and infrastructure management.
2. Logistics and Operational Support
- Coordinate and manage logistical support services across campuses.
- Oversee transport and fleet management operations.
- Ensure effective utilisation and maintenance of university operational resources.
3. Infrastructure and Facilities Management
- Manage maintenance and upkeep of university buildings and infrastructure.
- Oversee facilities operations to ensure functionality, safety, and sustainability.
- Monitor condition assessments and maintenance programmes.
- Ensure optimal use and preservation of university assets.
4. Health and Safety Compliance
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation.
- Monitor implementation of safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct risk assessments and oversee corrective actions.
- Promote a safe working and learning environment.
5. Project Management
- Manage facilities-related projects from planning to completion.
- Monitor project budgets, timelines, quality standards, and deliverables.
- Coordinate contractors, consultants, and stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects.
6. Supplier and Contractor Management
- Manage service providers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Monitor contract performance and service-level agreements.
- Ensure procurement and contract management processes comply with university policies.
7. Staff Management and Leadership
- Lead and supervise facilities and operations personnel.
- Manage staff performance, development, and training.
- Foster a productive and service-oriented work environment.
- Implement performance management systems and succession planning initiatives.
8. Budget Management
- Contribute to the preparation and management of departmental budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and resource allocation.
- Ensure cost-effective utilisation of operational resources.
9. Reporting and Governance
- Prepare operational, maintenance, compliance, and management reports.
- Provide strategic and operational information to senior management.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
10. Institutional Representation
- Represent the Facilities Unit on internal committees, meetings, and university forums.
- Participate in strategic planning and institutional decision-making processes.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the university.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in the Built Environment (NQF Level 7).
Examples may include:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Facilities Management
- Property Studies
- Building Science
- Related Built Environment disciplines
Experience
Facilities and Infrastructure Management
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managing:
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Facilities management
- Asset management
- Operations logistics
Experience should preferably be within a university or large institutional environment and include management of:
- Vehicle fleets
- Gardening and grounds maintenance
- Cleaning services
- Sports field management
- General facilities operations
Leadership Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ people management experience in a complex organisational environment such as a university, public institution, or large corporate organisation.
Professional Registration
Applicants must hold professional registration with one of the following bodies (or equivalent):
- Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
- South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions
- South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession
Additional Requirements
- Valid South African driver’s licence.
- Strong understanding of facilities and infrastructure operations.
- Knowledge of logistics and operational support services.
- Experience managing institutional assets and maintenance programmes.
Essential Knowledge
The successful candidate must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:
University Infrastructure and Estate Management
- Facilities management systems
- Asset lifecycle management
- Preventative and corrective maintenance programmes
- Infrastructure planning and utilisation
- Campus operations management
Legislation and Regulatory Compliance
Knowledge of legislation affecting higher education operations, including:
- Labour Relations Act (LRA)
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act)
- Related labour and facilities management regulations
Construction and Built Environment Regulations
- Building regulations and standards
- Construction industry codes
- Infrastructure maintenance standards
- Health and safety regulations applicable to facilities management
- Contract and project management principles
Preferred Requirements
The following will be advantageous:
Qualifications
- Honours Degree or equivalent qualification in a Built Environment discipline (NQF Level 8).
Experience
- Minimum 8 years’ experience managing:
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Facilities management
- Asset management
- Operational logistics
- Fleet services
- Grounds maintenance
- Cleaning services
- Sports facilities
- Minimum 5 years’ people management experience in a senior leadership role.
Required Skills and Competencies
Leadership Skills
- Strategic leadership and decision-making
- Team management and staff development
- Conflict resolution and stakeholder management
- Change management and organisational leadership
Technical Skills
- Facilities and asset management
- Infrastructure maintenance planning
- Project management
- Contract and supplier management
- Budget planning and financial management
- Risk management and compliance monitoring
Administrative Skills
- Policy development and implementation
- Report writing and presentation
- Operational planning and coordination
- Performance monitoring and evaluation
Personal Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- High level of professionalism and integrity


