ESTATE MANAGER (FULL-TIME)

 Herschel Girls School, founded in 1922, situated in Claremont Cape Town, is an inclusive independent Anglican school for girls from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 which welcomes pupils and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Herschel is committed to transformation and is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that gives preference, where appropriate, in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan, to candidates from the designated groups. The School reserves the right not to make an appointment. Failure to meet the requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Herschel Girls School seeks to appoint an

ESTATE MANAGER (FULL-TIME)

to commence duties in January 2026

Herschel Girls School is seeking a dynamic and experienced Estate Manager to join our team from January 2026. This is a full-time, hands-on role responsible for the overall maintenance and presentation of the Herschel Estate, including sports fields, landscaped grounds, buildings and residential facilities.

As Estate Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our estate is maintained to the highest standards of excellence. You will report directly to the Operations Manager, who oversees the School’s non-academic support and operational functions. The role carries a high level of delegated authority and requires independent management of estate operations across both the Preparatory and Senior Schools, within agreed budgets and policies.

We are looking for a proactive leader with strong operational and facilities management experience, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to creating a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for our school community.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS INCLUDE, INTER ALIA:

• Plan, monitor and control the maintenance budget so that expenditure is within approved budget parameters.
• Develop and implement plans to ensure objectives are achieved.
• Manage the performance of staff so that they can achieve set objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day work on the grounds and estate.
• Oversee and co-ordinate Health & Safety.
• Build strong partnerships with staff, school leadership and management, parents and the wider community.
• Perform general management and administrative duties as required.
• Be fully committed to the School’s transformation, equity and belonging strategic objectives in support of an equitable and safe school environment for all.
• To hold at heart the School’s tagline of “leading the education of girls into a future of limitless possibilities” for oneself.
• To be supportive of the Christian Anglican ethos of the School.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum Grade 12.
• Additional relevant tertiary qualification/s and certifications in operations and facilities management.
• A relevant qualification in horticulture will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of conservation practices, property law, financial management and community governance.
• Knowledge of sport facilities and grounds management.
• Extensive experience in managing people, performance and teams, and excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Strong IR/ labour relations knowledge.
• Good practical knowledge of Health & safety legislation and procedures.
• IT, administrative and excellent organisational, project management and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Financial acumen.
• Delivery-driven with a strong customer service orientation.
• The physical demands of the role and the size of the operations of the School will require the incumbent to be physically fit.
• It is essential that the incumbent is fluent in English and is preferably able to communicate in isiXhosa.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS:

• Herschel Girls School is a smoke-free environment, in line with South African law. All applicants must be willing to comply with this policy.

A letter of application (sent as an attachment), accompanied by a comprehensive CV, three contactable references, proof of qualifications or certifications that apply, as well as a Police Clearance certificate, should be submitted on the form:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY by Friday, 31 October 2025.

Herschel Girls 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.