Estate Manager

THE RIDGE IS A LEADING INDEPENDENT BOYS’ PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN JOHANNESBURG

We have a vacancy for:

Estate Manager

COMMENCEMENT: 1 May 2027

The Ridge School is looking to appoint a capable leader who takes pride in maintaining a safe, efficient and welcoming environment for our boys, staff and visitors. The ideal candidate will take ownership of the School’s physical environment and play a key role in ensuring our facilities meet the highest standards for educational and extracurricular activities.

Responsibilities:

•  Lead, manage and support the 24 staff members who work within the various areas of estate support at The Ridge School across the Housekeeping and Estate staff teams.
• Tasks required include the planning and oversight of: housekeeping and classroom cleanliness and maintenance, general estate maintenance including painting and building repair; field care and preparation; facilities and equipment maintenance; cricket pitch, basketball and tennis court maintenance; pool control and maintenance.
• Ensure the cleanliness and functional appeal of all school facilities, including buildings, sports areas, and school vehicles.
• Work closely with the outsourced landscaping company to ensure that the School’s gardens and grounds are well-maintained and visually appealing.
• Collaborate with the Head of Finance on setting and managing the maintenance budget ensuring cost-effective solutions and proper allocation of resources.
• Work closely with the members of the Leadership team to plan and coordinate the setup and dismantling of all upcoming events, sport fixtures, cultural and musical events and general School functions ensuring facilities and spaces are event-ready and meet School standards.
• Source and obtain quotes from specialist, vetted service providers and oversee the quality and completion of their work.
• Provide oversight and support during major capital expenditure (capex) projects on campus to ensure the safety of boys, staff, and visitors, while minimising disruption to School operations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive School maintenance plan to ensure proactive, preventative maintenance, track progress, and review needs on a regular basis.

Experience required:

• A proven track record in facilities or estate management, ideally within an educational or similar environment.
• Experience managing and leading teams and the ability to delegate tasks and ensure high standards are consistently met.
• Hands-on experience managing projects, renovations and or maintenance initiatives.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations.

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree or diploma in facilities management, estate management, property management or a related field.
•  Technical Skills / Trade Certification in plumbing and or electrical field could be advantageous.
• Reporting:
• Reports to the Head of Finance.
• Competencies required:
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal relationships
• Honesty and integrity
• Ability to plan and organise
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
• Self-motivation
• High energy level
• Attention to detail
• High work standards
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Willingness to work towards the greater good of the School

Application process:

Applications for this post close on the Friday, 6th November 2026 at 12h00.

• A full updated CV, with at least three contactable references is required.
• A covering letter (outlining your perceived suitability for this post and what interests you about this role) is required as part of the application process.
• Applications must please be emailed to careers@ridgeschool.co.za

Please note:

The School reserves the right not to make an appointment and an application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment, and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from The Ridge School within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

The Ridge School, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.

Consideration will be given to the Employment Equity Policy and Plan of The Ridge School when making the appointment.

At The Ridge School, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff and volunteers who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with The Ridge School’s Safeguarding Policy.