Maintenance Manager – Student Residence

SUMMARY:
To lead and manage all maintenance operations across a large student residence (approximately 1600 rooms), ensuring that facilities, infrastructure, and equipment are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard to support an optimal living and learning environment.
 
Key Responsibilities

1. Maintenance Operations Management

• Oversee all planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance across the residence
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance requests (rooms, common areas, plant equipment)
• Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule
• Maintain asset registers and equipment lifecycle plans

1. Team Leadership

• Manage and supervise maintenance staff (e.g., technicians, electricians, plumbers, general workers)
• Allocate work, monitor performance, and ensure productivity targets are met
• Conduct training, toolbox talks, and skills development
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures

1. Contractor & Supplier Management

• Appoint and manage external contractors and service providers
• Oversee maintenance projects, refurbishments, and upgrades
• Ensure contractors meet quality, cost, and safety standards
• Manage SLAs and service delivery performance

1. Budget & Cost Control

• Prepare and manage the maintenance budget
• Monitor expenses and control costs without compromising quality
• Source quotations and approve procurement within authority limits
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and efficiencies

1. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and building regulations
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments
• Maintain fire safety systems, emergency equipment, and evacuation readiness
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and any local regulations

1. Facilities & Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts, generators, water systems)
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure
• Manage utility usage and sustainability initiatives (water, electricity, waste)

1. Resident Experience Support

• Ensure rooms and communal spaces are well-maintained and functional
• Support quick turnaround for room readiness during student intakes/exits
• Respond to escalated maintenance complaints professionally
• Work closely with residence management to enhance the resident experience

1. Reporting & Administration

• Maintain maintenance logs, reports, and compliance documentation
• Provide regular reports on maintenance performance, costs, and risks
• Use maintenance systems (e.g., CAFM or ticketing systems) to track work orders

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Services, or related field Trade certification (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical) advantageous Experience Minimum 5-8 years' relevant experience in facilities or maintenance management Experience managing large residential, hospitality, or student accommodation facilities preferred Proven experience managing teams and contractors Skills & Competencies Strong technical knowledge of building systems and maintenance practices Leadership and people management skills Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability Budget management and financial acumen Strong planning and organisational skills Good communication and stakeholder management Ability to work in a high-pressure, reactive environment