Digital Solutions & Innovation Manager

POSITION PURPOSE This role drives the strategic integration of digital technologies to optimize facilities management operations, fostering efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. By blending expertise in IFM with advanced digital tools, the incumbent will lead transformative initiatives that automate processes, leverage data insights, and enhance stakeholder value, aligning with organizational goals for operational excellence and environmental responsibility. The essential functions and basic duties incorporate five (5) core areas: Technology Integration & Optimization, Sustainability & Energy Management, Data Analytics & Automation, Project Implementation & Vendor Management, and Leadership & Change Management. Emphasizing a balanced integration of facilities operations with a primary focus on innovation and digital solutions to drive operational improvements. KEY RESPONSIBLE AREAS Technology Integration & Optimization Lead the seamless adoption of digital tools to unify systems and enhance asset and service management. Oversee CMMS, mobile applications, and supplier portals for streamlined workflows. Deploy smart building technologies, including IoT devices and sensors. Facilitate system interoperability across internal/external platforms. Identify process gaps and recommend digital enhancements. Optimize workflows through automation of routine FM tasks. Collaborate with IT for hybrid system architectures. Sustainability & Energy Management Utilize digital innovations to promote eco-friendly practices and resource efficiency in facilities operations. Monitor energy consumption via IoT-enabled sensors. Identify savings opportunities through predictive analytics. Drive green initiatives with technology integrations. Promote sustainable asset management practices. Report on ESG metrics using automated data aggregation. Innovate low-carbon solutions for building operations. Data Analytics & Automation Harness data-driven insights and automation to elevate operational performance and predictive capabilities. Analyze building system data for optimization trends. Implement predictive maintenance protocols. Automate work order generation and asset tracking. Leverage analytics for resource allocation decisions. Develop custom algorithms for FM-specific challenges. Ensure data governance in automated environments. Project Implementation & Vendor Management Manage the full lifecycle of digital projects, ensuring timely delivery and robust partnerships. Lead end-to-end deployment of digital solutions. Employ continuous improvement frameworks like Lean. Negotiate and manage vendor relationships. Oversee budgeting and forecasting for tech initiatives. Mitigate risks in project execution. Facilitate cross-functional alignment in implementations. Evaluate emerging technologies for FM applicability. Leadership & Change Management Cultivate a digitally agile culture while guiding teams through transformative initiatives. Lead change management for technology adoptions. Foster innovation mindsets across IFM teams. Develop clear succession planning for the team. Mentor direct reports in digital competencies and upskill junior staff in emerging technology. Collaborate with stakeholders (IT, HR, Finance). Drive cultural shifts toward digital transformation. Champion professional development in IFM tech. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT Achieve efficient financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to maximize profitability and resource optimization. Demonstrate proficient knowledge of IFM, asset lifecycle management, CAFM systems, IoT, AI, and related technologies. Excel in contract management, including SLA/KPI drafting for service excellence and continuous improvement via digital tools. Pursue ongoing CPD, targeting professional registration with bodies such as SACPCMP, ECSA, SAFMA, or SAAMA to support professionalization in the built environment. EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, Commerce, Facilities Management, or a related Built Environment discipline. Advanced certifications preferred Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or IoT/AI specializations (e.g., AWS Certified IoT or Google Cloud AI). REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE Proven experience in deploying IoT, mobile applications, and AI solutions; project management competencies highly advantageous. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Minimum 3 years in managerial roles, with 5-7 years in Facilities Management, ideally including digital transformation projects. Professional Registration & Memberships Not mandatory, but advantageous: Registrations in built environment/IT fields (e.g., ECSA, SACPCMP); memberships in SAFMA, IFMA, or similar. SKILLS/ABILITIES: Analytical thinking for data interpretation and trend forecasting. Strong communication (written and verbal) for stakeholder engagement. Decisive decision-making in fast-paced tech environments. Diagnostic skills for troubleshooting system integrations. Leadership to inspire high-performance teams. Negotiation for vendor and cross-functional partnerships. Planning and strategic foresight for long-term innovation. Problem solving with a focus on root-cause analysis. Adaptability in agile methodologies Ethical AI governance.

Location: Sandton, Gauteng, ZA

Posted Date: 10/26/2025