Operations Manager
Founded in 1896 and set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Michaelhouse is a leading Anglican Independent senior Boarding School for boys from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
We invite applications for the position of Operations Manager at Michaelhouse to commence by March 2025 or sooner. The successful candidate will report to the Financial Director and, ultimately, to the Rector, and will be part of the school management team. The Operations Manager is responsible for the provision of cost effective and high quality operational support services (including catering, estate, grounds, gardens, housekeeping, functions, laundry, security, and transport) to the school and estate (over 600ha including a Nature Reserve, a fleet of school vehicles, buildings/ facilities as well as staff housing). Proven leadership and management of a large complement of support staff is critical.
RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
- Effective day-to-day running of support departments through Department Managers
- Planning for support departments to assist the school in meeting short, medium and long term objectives
- Plan, monitor and control the operational budget
- Take responsibility for the school’s compliance with relevant legislation with a particular emphasis on the
- health, safety and environment (HSE) and security of boys and staff
- Make a meaningful contribution to the environmental management of the estate
- Maximise productivity and efficiency of support departments.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Proven evidence that the applicant has developed the necessary competencies through experience
- A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. business / construction / facilities/ business/ project management)
- Management experience, ideally in respect of managing a large estate and/or building/ facilities/ maintenance projects/ operations
- A minimum of 12 year’s relevant working experience.
- Prior experience leading and managing a large staff complement, and working in a unionised environment
- Alignment with the Christian values and ethos of the school.
- The successful candidate will be required to provide a police clearance certificate and be cleared on the Sexual Offenders Register.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
- Strategic planning, organising, project management and budgeting
- Financial management and strong administrative skills.
- Excellent communication skills; An ability to communicate in isiZulu would be advantageous
- Computer literacy (Excel, Word)
- Knowledge of current labour law and the application thereof
- A well-developed understanding of/ sensitivity for aesthetics relating to buildings and grounds
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to develop purposeful working relationships with a variety of stakeholders: boys, parents and staff.
- Team leadership/ people management; achievement motivation; negotiation and initiative
Remuneration: A competitive package is on offer, including compulsory housing on the estate, pension and medical aid.
Only suitably qualified candidates will be considered. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. Michaelhouse reserves the right not to make an appointment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- Apply by completing the online application form at: https://forms.gle/3DzNULyBv5h5qrB26
- Please submit your CV with at least two contactable references and cover letter via email to
- careers@michaelhouse.org.
- Note: Please reference the job title in the subject of your email for ease of reference.
Closing date for applications: 24 January 2025
Michaelhouse is committed to transformation and in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan preference shall be given, but not limited to, candidates from the designated groups.
Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Disclaimer: Michaelhouse is committed to ensuring confidentiality of personal information. By applying for this position and submitting your personal details and CV, you acknowledge acceptance of this disclaimer. Your information will be used for the sole purpose of recruitment of the listed vacancy and any required statutory reporting. All reasonable measures will be taken to protect the information of applicants.