Property & Facilities Manager

Free onsite parking + car allowance
- Opportunity to Build & Lead a Team
- New Business Function

Young Academics Early Learning Centre is launching a dedicated Property & Facilities function and is seeking a proactive, experienced, and strategic Property & Facilities Manager to lead this exciting new initiative. This role presents a unique opportunity to bring facilities management in-house, shape operational strategies, and build a high-performing team from the ground up.

**Key Responsibilities**

Lease Negotiations & Management
- Maintain strong relationships with landlords and act as the primary point of contact for lease-related matters.
- Ensure compliance with lease terms, including identifying and resolving lease-related obligations (e.g., repairs, leasehold improvements, and contract disputes).
- Maintain accurate records of all lease agreements and ensure timely renewals and amendments.

Facilities Management
- Oversee the transition of facilities management in-house, establishing processes and best practices.
- Manage day-to-day operations of all properties, ensuring a safe, well-maintained, and efficient environment across all centres.
- Conduct regular inspections of buildings, playgrounds, classrooms, and other areas to proactively address maintenance needs.
- Oversee external contractors and service providers, ensuring timely and cost-effective repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.
- Implement and manage a preventive maintenance schedule to minimize downtime and enhance safety.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and legal requirements across all sites.
- Develop and implement an **in-house online ticketing system** to manage workflow efficiently and improve response times.

Procurement & Vendor Management
- Act as the key liaison for suppliers and service providers, managing contract negotiations and ongoing relationships.
- Maintain an inventory of building-related supplies and establish streamlined procurement processes.
- Establish contract delegation and governance for delivered services such as waste management.

CapEx & OpEx Management
- Develop, manage, and report on the facilities budget, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements across facilities operations.
- Provide financial oversight of capital investments and operational expenses related to property management.

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Tertiary qualification in property, construction, or facilities management.
- Proven experience in lease negotiations and property management within a multi-site environment.
- Experience in childcare, education, or similar regulated environments is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of facilities management, supplier contract management, and asset maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead a team, establishing new processes and business functions.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across departments.

**Working Conditions**
- Full-time position, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility for site visits and urgent matters.
- Regular travel between new and established centres.
- Hands-on role with strategic oversight, providing both leadership and operational execution.

**Benefits**
- Competitive salary + Car allowance + Toll reimbursement.
- Up to 2 Wellness Days per year.
- Opportunity to lead and shape a new business function.
- Collaborative and inclusive company culture.
- Direct impact on company growth and operational success.

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for property and facilities management, ready to build and lead a team, we’d love to hear from you