Job Description

Who we are

We are the market leader in commercial real estate services and investments and provide an integrated suite of high-quality real estate services to our clients across Africa and the Middle East, including facilities management, advisory & transaction services, project management.


We support predominantly corporate clients who buy services on a contracted basis all across the Middle East and Africa - even globally, depending on their portfolio.

Why choose us

Imagine more than just the future of work; with CBRE Excellerate, you can create it. As part of our global powerhouse, you'll find a culture that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, where your best work is not just encouraged but celebrated. Collaborate with talented individuals, harness the support of unparalleled resources, and enjoy the journey as you grow both personally and professionally.



Position Reports To: Head of Operations - Sub-Saharan Africa

Business Unit: Operations - Sub-Saharan Africa



Position Purpose:

To ensure operational control, client service consistency, and compliance across Local FM accounts and EA Category C contracts (if required) across the Sub-Saharan region. The Junior Business Unit Lead will serve as the bridge between site operations and strategic leadership, ensuring delivery excellence, team effectiveness, and adherence to commercial and regulatory requirements, while embedding standardised practices in line with organisational frameworks.



Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership



Lead all operational activities within assigned Local FM and EA Category C accounts (if required) to ensure consistency and compliance with company standards and contractual obligations.

Oversee the performance of site teams, contract support, and service delivery across all assigned/ managed accounts and portfolios.

Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving standardisation across

Create and track performance goals and KPI, ensuring consistent service delivery, aligned to SLAs and KPIs, across diverse sites and geographic regions.

Ensure team members complete all necessary training and compliance.

KPI dashboard/ account performance review regularly

Drive operational readiness, including maintenance plans, site audits, safety file compliance, and periodic risk reviews.

Lead the execution of maintenance plans, safety programs, and service compliance using organisational tools and platforms.



2. Financial and Commercial Accountability

Own the business unit's financial performance: revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost control.

Provide oversight on budgeting, forecasting, and commercial health of the accounts

Ensure adherence to financial governance, cost allocation principles, and risk mitigation across contracts.

Lead pricing reviews, financial modelling, and support in commercial decision-making.



3. Client Relationship Management

Act as the senior point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring strong alignment with client goals and service expectations.

Lead executive and operational reviews with clients, escalating issues when required, while maintaining strategic relationships.

Conduct regular performance reviews, client meetings, and satisfaction surveys

Oversee SLA and KPI performance and drive collaborative service improvement plans.

Build and maintain relationships with client contacts across assigned accounts.



4. People and Culture Leadership

Provide leadership and direction to all direct and indirect team members across the portfolio.

Promote a high-performance, inclusive culture aligned with company values and leadership principles.

Oversee workforce planning, succession planning, and performance management across accounts.

Act as a coach and mentor to respective teams.

Ensure compliance with HR policies, labour laws, and performance management processes.



5. Compliance and Governance

Ensure business unit compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and EHS/ OHS frameworks.

Drive a culture of safety and governance, embedding best practice across all operational touchpoints.

Participate in and lead risk reviews, governance meetings, and client assurance processes.

Embed a strong safety culture through audits, training, and incident follow-up.



6. Strategic Growth and Development

Identify and support the pursuit of organic and inorganic growth opportunities within client accounts.

Partner with the Business Development team to provide operational expertise in bids and transitions.

Participate in due diligence, mobilisation, and integration of new accounts.



Qualifications & Experience:

Minimum Requirements

Qualification in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. A combination of experience and education will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Minimum 5-8 years' experience in regional account or business unit leadership within the Facilities Management industry.

Proven track record of delivering operational, commercial, and cultural transformation in large, complex client environments.

Strong exposure to P&L ownership and multi-site management.



2.

Preferred:

Professional certification or membership with SAFMA, IFMA, or equivalent bodies.

Experience working within a shared services or enterprise account model in multinational contexts.

Key Skills & Competencies:



Strategic Leadership: Ability to align operational execution with long-term business goals.

Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of financial modelling, business planning, and budget control.

Client Management: Skilled in managing senior stakeholders, negotiating complex requirements, and resolving escalations.

Client-Centricity: Customer engagement, relationship building, and satisfaction management.

People Leadership: Capable of managing cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds across geographies.

Operational Excellence: Deep understanding of FM service delivery, quality systems, and tools.

Operational Execution: Strong command of IFM tools, CAFM systems, reporting dashboards and service-level delivery frameworks.

Governance & Risk: Understanding legal, statutory, and internal governance requirements.

Communication & Reporting: Excellent reporting, written, and presentation skills.

Cultural Agility: Able to operate effectively in diverse regional and market contexts.

Working Relationships & Stakeholder Interfaces:

Internal: Managing Directors, Executive Leadership Team, Country/ Regional Managers, Account Teams, Head of Operations, Operational Teams, Finance, HR, IT, QHSE, Procurement, Business Development.

External: Clients (Executives, Senior and Operational), Statutory and Regulatory Bodies, Suppliers, Partners, Industry Associations.