About the Role
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is seeking a dedicated professional for the role of Deputy Director-General: Real Estate Management, based at the Head Office in Pretoria. This pivotal position is designed for an experienced leader who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of real estate management within the public sector. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of strategic initiatives that enhance the management of immovable assets, ensuring that government properties are used efficiently and sustainably to serve the South African community.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team, translating departmental visions into actionable strategies that impact the entire nation. With a focus on asset lifecycle management, property investment, and compliance, your leadership will directly contribute to the effectiveness and transparency of government operations, ultimately benefiting the communities across South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is committed to providing an efficient, equitable, and sustainable built environment for all South Africans. Its mission encompasses the management of public assets, the development of infrastructure, and the delivery of services that enhance the quality of life for citizens. Working here means being part of a transformative journey that aims to ensure that government facilities are not only functional but also contribute to economic growth and social upliftment.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development and implementation of real estate management strategies and policies.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of property management, including acquisition, disposal, and leasing processes.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and governance frameworks, including the PFMA and Treasury Instructions.
- Manage the performance and development of the branch staff, fostering a high-performing and motivated team.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery within the department.
- Conduct research on property market trends and identify gaps in policy frameworks.
What You’ll Need
- An NQF 08 qualification in immovable asset management, real estate management, or a related field.
- A minimum of 8 years of senior managerial experience in real estate management or property investment.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of legislative frameworks related to property management.
- Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain a security clearance.
How to Apply
Email applications for this position must be directed to the instructions below.
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Requirements
A minimum NQF 08 qualification as recognised by SAQA, in or directly relevant to immovable asset management, real estate management, property or lease management or the built environment, 8 years of experience at a senior managerial level in real estate management, property investment, or related property functions.An NQF 09 qualification or higher and more than 08 years direct senior management experience as specified will be an added advantage.
Leadership & Delivery: a proven and demonstrated track record of orchestrating multidisciplinary professional teams within complex infrastructure delivery and immovable asset management environments; possesses a deep- seated mastery of the entire asset lifecycle, from strategic inception and acquisition to maintenance, optimisation, and disposal, with a proven ability to translate high-level departmental mandates into tangible business outcomes and long-term strategic objectives.
Other added advantage: relevant professional registration in built sector or property related field, and private sector property management or immovable asset management experience.
130 Licensing: possession of a valid, unencumbered driver's licence.
Vetting & Compliance: the successful candidate will be required to undergo and maintain a formal security clearance.
Professional Agility: the ability and willingness to adjust work hours and schedules to meet critical professional requirements and urgent organisational imperatives.
Knowledge: professional understanding of real estate and property management, including acquisition, disposal, leasing, contract management, maintenance, servitudes and property investment; legislative frameworks including PFMA, Treasury Regulations, OHS Act, Public Service Act and Regulations, MISS, and relevant built-environment norms and standards; government structures and intergovernmental linkages across national, provincial and local spheres; applied commercial law principles relevant to property transactions; corporate governance, risk management and financial oversight; human resource management, labour relations and organisational change management; service delivery innovation, transformation frameworks and empowerment policies (B-BBEE, SMME, women and disability inclusion).
SKILLS: strategic capability and leadership at executive level; programme and project management of large property portfolios; people management, empowerment and talent development; financial management and resource optimisation; advanced problem-solving, business transformation and change management; high-level communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills; policy development, analysis and implementation; contract management, quality assurance and operational coordination.
Personal Attributes: innovative, forward-thinking and solutions- driven; high resilience, able to manage complexity under pressure; strong professional judgement and integrity; confident, influential and able to establish high-trust relationships; highly motivated, decisive and able to work independently where required; excellent leadership presence with the ability to inspire and direct large teams.
Job Duties
Strategic Leadership of Real Estate Management Services: translate the departmental vision into a coherent branch strategy, structure and operational plan; provide executive leadership to ensure the branch delivers on its mandate for real estate, portfolio, asset lifecycle and property investment management; lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies and systems that ensure effective, efficient and compliant management of immovable assets.Real Estate Portfolio Management and Asset Performance: oversee the full property lifecycle, including acquisition, disposal, leasing, estates, servitudes and maintenance of immovable assets; ensure optimal utilisation, economic efficiency and sustainability of the national property portfolio; direct the development and maintenance of the Immovable Asset Register and property information systems; lead the creation of a master plan for managing both freehold and leasehold government property portfolios.
Oversight of Leasing, Contracts and Property Transactions: ensure timely and compliant management of lease contracts, including renewals, terminations, rent reviews and cost optimisation; oversee acquisition and disposal processes, ensuring legal compliance, transparency and alignment with national priorities; provide executive governance over creditor management, debtor recovery and contract performance within the portfolio.
Governance, Compliance and Organisational Performance: ensure adherence to PFMA requirements, Treasury Instructions, governance frameworks and built-environment standards; establish and maintain internal controls, risk management systems and monitoring mechanisms to ensure integrity of operations; evaluate branch performance against strategic objectives and implement corrective measures to drive continuous improvement; champion organisational transformation, change initiatives and service delivery improvement programmes.
Branch Leadership, People Management and Resource Stewardship: provide visionary leadership to the Branch, ensuring a motivated, skilled, high- performing workforce; manage the performance, development, labour relations and wellbeing of staff in accordance with HR frameworks and SMS requirements; manage the branch budget, ensuring financial prudence, accountability and alignment with strategic priorities; oversee administrative reporting, communication systems, audit responses and quality assurance processes.
Research, Policy Development and Industry Intelligence: lead research into property market trends, built-environment innovations and emerging risks; identify policy gaps and drive the development or review of legislation, policy frameworks and norms and standards; ensure that branch practices remain future-focused, efficient, integrated and responsive to the needs of government.
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