Technical Manager

Synopsis

To provide technical expertise pertaining to the maintenance and operation of multiple buildings and engineering services to ensure reliable and safe continuous operation thereof in accordance with statutory requirements and regulations in the buildings under management. To manage the technical team in delivering the Facilities Management Strategy.

Qualification and Experience

• A relevant Degree in Engineering fields (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Structural) or Built Environment (e.g., Construction Management, Quantity Surveying)
• A post‑graduate qualification is an added advantage
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in the Facilities Management industry in Maintenance Management
• Strong knowledge of Facilities Management, Building Maintenance and National Building Regulations
• At least five years’ experience as a Technical Manager with Project Management experience
• Sound knowledge of Building Management, Procurement process, Project Management, and Construction Industry Development Board and Contract Management principles
• Proficiency in project management software tools and methodologies
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple complex projects
• Strong leadership skills and ability to effectively manage and motivate team members
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Knowledge of industry best practices and the ability to adapt them to specific project needs

Roles and Responsibilities

Liaise With

• Internal: All levels of IDC Management
• External:
  • Local authorities
  • Fire department
  • Service Providers
  • Consultants

Responsibility Includes – Maintenance and Effective Operation of Hard Services

• Electrical Services: Transformers, standby generators, UPS systems, medium and low voltage reticulation systems, switchgear, etc.
• Mechanical Services: Lifts; HVAC; Building Management System (BMS); hot water generation system; plumbing; fire detection and suppression system, including pumping and sprinkler systems
• Structural, Building and General Maintenance: Carpentry; floor finishes; wall finishes; ceiling and roof finishes; doors; ironmongery; fence
• Formulate and maintain an evacuation plan
• Maintain records of workspace plans

Maintenance and Operation of Engineering Services

• Ensure up‑to‑date preventative maintenance programme to improve asset longevity and update regularly
• Conduct regular inspections with contractors to ensure compliance
• Oversee quality of work done by maintenance contractors in the area of responsibility
• Perform site inspections, handovers and performance inspections at contract end
• Ensure maintenance by contractors follows manufacturing and design specifications per operating and maintenance manuals
• Optimize equipment life span and prevent business disruption
• Monitor and report building performance (utilities, sustainability) against targets
• Monitor need for upgrades/replacements, motivation and budget
• Attend breakdowns during normal and after‑hours working times
• Research and benchmark operations to ensure competitiveness with industry practices
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with ISO, SANS, Occupational Safety Act, National Building Regulation and municipal regulations
• Monitor building energy consumption and recommend cost‑saving, environmental, and greening measures
• Ensure appropriate maintenance contracts are in place for all services under control
• Regularly review maintenance contracts for cost efficiency
• Identify and manage risk within operations
• Develop and manage technical processes and procedures to prevent waste and identify efficiency improvements
• Provide input in developing technical strategies and operating models
• Apply sound building engineering life‑cycle and project management practices and latest technology
• Ensure installations meet design specifications through regular tests, inspections, log reading, and register maintenance; take appropriate action when required
• Manage projects in terms of business requirements, quality parameters, deadlines, budgets, etc.
• Keep all storerooms and plant rooms neat and in good working condition

Record Keeping

• Keep all technical drawings and manuals up‑to‑date, with electronic and physical copies in the records office
• Store official minutes of all contract meetings electronically in the contract file
• Maintain an up‑to‑date documentation and filing system
• File all maintenance‑related documentation accordingly

Project Supervision

• Oversee quality of work done by contractors for projects in line with the maintenance plan
• Conduct site inspections, handovers and performance inspections at project completion

Inspections

• Conduct regular inspections on essential equipment and implement necessary actions and follow‑up procedures for malfunctions
• Perform quality inspections on maintenance contractors
• Verify through consistent inspections and testing that all equipment operates at maximum efficiency and according to design specifications
• Ensure service and repairs meet established quality standards
• Confirm compliance with guarantee and insurance requirements

Financial Management

• Develop and manage budget (Capex and Opex) and life‑cycle cost management
• Monitor and control costs; report variances
• Create business cases motivating upgrades, replacements and value‑adding opportunities to improve efficiency or modernization
• Review cost of spares received from contractors to ensure market‑related pricing
• Review costs of completed work to ensure labour and material costs are reasonable
• Monitor breakdown and call‑out frequency; verify repair costs are realistic
• Analyse maintenance operations to find efficiencies that minimize costs
• Scrutinise payment claims and arrange payment
• Obtain quotations and motivation from the Head of Facilities Management
• Develop business cases for upgrades, replacements and projects that ensure efficiencies

General

• Ensure all tools and testing equipment needed are readily available and kept in safe working condition
• Inform the Head of Facilities Management of disruptions and pending services

Communication

• Set up and manage regular contract meetings
• Organise progress meetings regarding project status
• Conduct regular update meetings with the manager, internal support and maintenance teams

Ensure Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act

• Conduct regular inspections and tests to ensure compliance and safety
• Maintain a complete register of ‘Certificates of Compliance’ and keep copies on file
• Ensure all work done by contractors complies with the OHS Act and other legislation
• Stay up to date with the latest regulations and changes in their applications

Change of Internal Office Layouts

• Scrutinise layout drawings and establish relevant requirements for air conditioning, electrical, fire prevention, etc.
• Establish close working relationships with other Facilities and SHE colleagues
• Project manage and monitor/oversee installation, replacement and ensure compliance with legislation, policies, systems and procedures

Job Requirements

Behavioural Competencies

• Client centricity
• Coaching, advisory and guiding skills
• Coping with pressures and setbacks
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks
• Flexibility and ability to deal with ambiguity
• Good communication skills
• Relationship building and networking
• Strong negotiation and influencing capability

Technical / Functional Competencies

• Analyzing
• Budget and resource management
• Persuading and influencing
• Planning and organizing
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making
• Project management
• Quality control and assurance
• Stakeholder communication and management
• Writing and reporting

Leadership Competencies

• Resilience
• Decisiveness in execution
• People engagement
• Communication and engagement
• Diverse stakeholder management
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Change leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Business mindset