Herschel Girls School announces full-time Estate Manager vacancy, starting January 2026

Herschel Girls School, a well-established independent Anglican school in Claremont, Cape Town, is looking to appoint a full-time Estate Manager to start in January 2026. This is a pivotal, hands-on role overseeing the entire school estate, from sports fields and gardens to buildings and residential areas. If you are a dynamic leader with strong operational and facilities management experience, committed to creating an excellent and safe environment, and possess the required qualifications and skills, this opportunity invites you to contribute to a vibrant school community. Applications, including a comprehensive CV and necessary documents, must be submitted by Friday, 31 October 2025.

Detailed vacancy information

• Institution name: Herschel Girls School
• Location: Claremont, Cape Town
• Founded: 1922
• School type: Inclusive independent Anglican school for girls, catering from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12.
• Job title: Estate Manager (Full-Time)
• Start date: January 2026
• Application deadline: Friday, 31 October 2025
• Reporting to: Operations Manager
• Official vacancy source: Estate Manager (Full-Time) at Herschel Girls School

Simple summary of the vacancy

Herschel Girls School is seeking a dedicated and experienced Estate Manager to join their team in January 2026. This full-time, hands-on position involves comprehensive responsibility for the upkeep and presentation of the entire Herschel estate, which includes sports facilities, landscaped grounds, all school buildings, and residential accommodations. The successful candidate will report directly to the Operations Manager and will have significant delegated authority to manage estate operations across both the Preparatory and Senior Schools, ensuring adherence to budgets and policies.

The school is looking for a proactive individual with strong leadership qualities and extensive experience in facilities and operational management. A keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining a safe, functional, and inspiring environment are essential. Key responsibilities for this role include planning, monitoring, and controlling the maintenance budget, developing and implementing operational plans, managing staff performance, overseeing daily grounds and estate work, and coordinating Health & Safety. The Estate Manager will also be expected to foster strong partnerships within the school community and perform various general management and administrative duties. A commitment to the school’s transformation, equity, and belonging objectives, along with supporting its Christian Anglican ethos, is also required. Candidates should be physically fit due to the demands of the role and fluent in English, with an ability to communicate in isiXhosa being an advantage. Herschel Girls School is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from diverse cultural backgrounds, giving preference in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan where appropriate.

How to apply for this post

To apply for the Estate Manager position at Herschel Girls School, please follow these steps:

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Provide contact details for three professional references.
• Include proof of all relevant qualifications and certifications.
• Obtain and include a Police Clearance certificate.
• Submit all these documents using the official application form provided: CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
• Ensure your application is submitted by the deadline of Friday, 31 October 2025.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and failure to meet the requirements will result in automatic disqualification. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and accept the school’s POPIA disclaimer regarding the confidentiality and use of personal information during the recruitment process.

Questions and answers for potential candidates

Here are some questions and answers that a potential candidate might have before applying, along with advice on how to be a preferred candidate:

• Q: What is the main focus of the Estate Manager role?
  A: The role is hands-on and focuses on the overall maintenance, presentation, and operational management of the entire school estate, including grounds, buildings, and residential facilities. To be preferred, demonstrate your extensive experience in all these areas.
• Q: What kind of leadership qualities are they looking for?
  A: They seek a dynamic, proactive leader with strong operational and facilities management experience, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to excellence and safety. Highlight specific examples of your leadership in managing large estates or facilities.
• Q: Is a tertiary qualification mandatory?
  A: While a minimum Grade 12 is required, additional relevant tertiary qualifications and certifications in operations and facilities management are highly advantageous. A qualification in horticulture would be a significant plus. Emphasise any relevant higher education or professional development you have.
• Q: How important is financial management in this role?
  A: Extremely important. You will plan, monitor, and control the maintenance budget. Showcase your financial acumen, budget management experience, and ability to keep expenditure within approved parameters.
• Q: What experience is necessary for managing people and teams?
  A: Extensive experience in managing people, performance, and teams is crucial, along with excellent communication and influencing skills. Provide examples of successful team leadership, staff development, and conflict resolution.
• Q: What about Health & Safety knowledge?
  A: Good practical knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and procedures is essential. Detail your experience in overseeing and coordinating H&S, and any relevant certifications you hold.
• Q: Is knowledge of property law and conservation practices required?
  A: Yes, knowledge in these areas, along with financial management and community governance, is beneficial. Mention any experience or understanding you have in these specialised fields.
• Q: How does the school’s ethos impact the role?
  A: You are expected to be supportive of the Christian Anglican ethos of the School and fully committed to its transformation, equity, and belonging strategic objectives. Show how your personal values align with fostering an equitable and safe school environment.
• Q: What soft skills are particularly valued?
  A: Excellent organisational, project management, and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside strong IT and administrative abilities. Being delivery-driven with a strong customer service orientation is also key. Illustrate these skills with concrete achievements.
• Q: Is physical fitness a requirement?
  A: Yes, the physical demands and size of the school’s operations require the incumbent to be physically fit. Briefly confirm your ability to meet the physical requirements of a hands-on estate management role.