Lead Property Manager

Who are you?

Are you a proactive problem solver that believe in yourself and what you do? Do you find clever solutions to a variety of challenges? Are you an active listener and interested in understanding others? Are you a team player with a lot of energy and a positive attitude? Then please continue to read, you might very well be the one we are looking for! 

About us 

(GRE) Group Real Estate is an integrated function in the Volvo Group, with strategic and operational responsibility for the Group’s properties and real estate assets as well as for facility management. We are responsible for the entire property lifecycle, from acquisition to divestment. We optimize the use and value of the Volvo Group's facilities, owned and leased. We act as a center of expertise, generating economies of skill and scale in the real estate area. The Volvo Group values are our guiding stars in everything we do, e.g. develop an attractive workplace for the Volvo Group’s employees worldwide. We are approximately 300 employees supporting Volvo Group in 60 countries worldwide. Our property footprint consists of some 1000 sites, both leased and owned. We manage all types of properties: dealers, workshops, offices, warehouses, production facilities and more.  

At Group Real Estate (GRE) we have decided to be the business partner in securing performance and driving transformation for Volvo Group. To be able to fulfill our target image, your contribution will be crucial!  

This is us, your new colleagues 

International Division consist of 6 different regions where of South Africa is one. We are approx. 40 team players who deliver real estate services and solutions for office, industrial and retail to enable Volvo Group to be the most desired and successful transport and infrastructure solution provider in the world.  

What you will do

The main mission of this job is to secure the performance within the GRE scope of supply, property management, facility management and property projects in a way that support both the demands from AB Volvo, the Operational plan, strategy and concepts, the needs from the TD/BA’s as well as existing legal requirements.  

You are: 

• Accountable to proactively maintain and preserve the value of Volvo’s properties/facilities (activity) through close cooperation with stakeholders and suppliers. 
• Responsible for securing alignment to GRE strategy and concept whilst, at the same time meeting the needs from our colleagues.
• Responsible for leading and develop the GRE delivery. Keep up to date with market trends and development.
• Responsible for tactical meetings with local stakeholders, securing that both stakeholder and GRE needs are taken into account in all decisions.  
• Provide input to the central GRE functions regarding developments and opportunities with new technologies, quality, new products or services and other beneficial information.

You are a true business partner by securing good communication with tenants, landlords and suppliers; giving advice, proposals and project management services aligning business needs and demands with local colleagues/ stakeholders. You also provide expertise input and secure performance, business continuity, safety, quality, sustainability, cost control, efficiency and property value over time, without compromising on Volvo Group needs. 

As a Lead Property Manager you may serve as a team leader, supporting the Regional Director in driving the operational agenda (e.g. coordinating the Longterm Maintenance (LTM) planning process, conducting Health & Safety risk assessments etc.) and to mentor others. You provide innovative solutions to complex problems and share knowledge and way-of-working within your division/region. 

In this position you also need knowledge of key elements in the continuous improvement concept. An ability to identify cause- and effect dynamics in complex organizations, to analyze structures and processes and contribute in the improvement of organizational set up. You know how to improve performance using lean concepts to reduce lead time, eliminate waste and losses, and improve the quality of our projects and services. In addition, you will: 

• Manage large projects or (end to end) processes.
• Establish a roadmap with activities and clear responsibilities and deadlines.  
• Implement Focus Improvements KPI’s into the organization with individual targets how to contribute to the Target Image and the overall Volvo Group results. 

Reporting: You will report to the Director Business Control and South Africa. 

Job objectives

• Responsible for the GRE operational and financial responsibility for designated sites, including property and facility management, projects, investments, divestments, leases, masterplans and stakeholder demands at tactical level.
• Responsible to ensure health & safety compliance within the day-to-day service delivery within the GRE scope.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with relevant directives, authority regulations, laws and property legislation.
• Responsible for investments and divestments including land and property acquisitions.
• Responsible to analyse and prioritize among investment needs and prepare data for investment cases.
• Responsible for preserving the operation and value of Volvo’s properties/facilities at site level, including overall budget responsibility and follow up for income, costs and projects.
• Responsible that all activities undertaken are focused on cost efficiencies, adding value and aligned with the RE Financial Business plan and Operational plan.
• Responsible for Site Master plan execution.
• Responsible for execution of all property- and administrative projects according to the investment process.
• Responsible for content, data accuracy and ensuring timely updates for all dimensions in property databases and other real estate specific systems.
• Responsible for the full process regarding internal and external lease contracts including negotiation, invoicing and secure contracts when new or changed tenant.   
• Responsible for specifications and negotiations of contracts for maintenance, consultants and services in cooperation with Volvo’s purchasing function.  
• Responsible to maintain a close cooperation with business control, to understand and explain the cost development as well as drive improvements to get back on track if needed.
• Responsible for local dialogues with our colleagues after alignment with business control regarding cost calculation output and figures for forecast.  
• Responsible for property tax, indexation and insurance values.
• Responsible to secure space optimization for offices.
• Coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals. 

Who are you?

To add value in this position you need to be service minded with a stakeholder focus. You are well organized, can manage your workload and have excellent communication and networking skills. You believe in yourself and what you do - and you are a really good listener. But most of all, you are a true team player and you contribute with good team spirit. 

To be successful in your new role we want you to have the following knowledge/experience: 

• Property management diploma/ Civil engineering diploma
• Solid technical knowledge of building installation systems.
• Proficient skills in building construction methods/ site infrastructure specifics.
• Knowledge of authorities demands and property legislation.  
• Experience of project management.  
• Negotiating and financial knowledge, how to add business value.  
• Good presentations skills.
• Appropriate licenses where applicable.  
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in real estate and facility management.
• Thorough knowledge in financial control.  
• Experience from working in an international environment is an asset.
• B.Comm University degree or equivalent is required.

In a company that values customer success, trust, passion, change and performance, you hold a strong personal credibility, integrity and creativity. As we are a truly global and diverse company you also need great communication skills in English, spoken and written. 

Are we A perfect match?

Do you recognize yourself in what is described above? Then we are hoping to hear from you!  You may be a perfect match that we want in our team of skilled colleagues to work with some truly exciting challenges and opportunities. You will work in a global environment where there are a lot of development opportunities, both professionally and personally. At Volvo Group we want you to thrive and be happy, because when you succeed, we succeed. We are eager to learn from you and you will get great opportunities to learn and develop with us.  

At Group Real Estate we are actively working to establish a team that will take maximum advantage of the strength inherent in differences in knowledge, experience, age, gender, nationality, etc. We find that well balanced working groups increases group dynamics, creativity and bring new approaches to solutions. 

Location: The location of the position is in Boksburg, South Africa, but travelling across South Africa is expected (35 - 50%) 

Short listed candidates must complete and sign personal verification permission, consent and indemnity declarations, to inter alia perform reference, criminal, credit, qualification, vetting process (if applicable to position) and any other checks deemed necessary.

Volvo Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is an affirmative action, equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage people with disability to apply. 

Application Closing Date: 20 October 2026.