Ebrahim Chohan
Regional Property & Facilities Executive
Johannesburg
Summary
Executive in Property and Facilities Management with over 30 years of experience overseeing multi-country real estate portfolios valued at USD $989M across six African regions. Proven track record in managing annual operating budgets of USD $11M and leading diverse teams of 45 professionals, driving asset performance optimization, FM mobilization for new developments, and effective lifecycle CAPEX planning. Expertise spans various sectors including retail, office, industrial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and data centers, complemented by a strong entrepreneurial mindset focused on maximizing profitability. Renowned for exceptional communication skills and the ability to forge strategic alliances with organizational leaders to align and support critical business initiatives.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
FM Operations Executive – Grit Africa Portfolio
Broll Property Group
Johannesburg
11.2022 - Current
- Executive oversight of a USD $989M mixed-use portfolio across six African countries. Accountable for USD $11M annual operating budget and leadership of 45 staff.
- Strategic governance of 24 retail, office, industrial, residential, hospitality and data centre assets
- Implementation of ESG and sustainability initiatives
- Lifecycle asset planning and long-term CAPEX forecasting
- Mobilisation and commissioning of newly developed assets
- Risk mitigation, compliance oversight and performance benchmarking
- Executive stakeholder engagement and institutional reporting
- Prepared annual data to determine metrics for operational performance.
- Optimized operational efficiency by redesigning processes, systems, and workspaces for increased productivity.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within budgetary constraints and deadlines.
Senior Contract Manager
Agile Consulting / Bicacon Construction
Johannesburg
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Managed fast-track and building/civil contracts including major infrastructure projects, ensuring commercial governance, OHS and QA compliance on contracts ranging from R10 to R300 million
Project & Operations Manager – PPP Portfolio
Motseng Facilities Management / Kelo Consulting
Johannesburg
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Led transition of Department of International Relations PPP portfolio and Public Works Prestige portfolio into structured FM operations, managing a 60-member team.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
Commercial Director
Belela Construction
Johannesburg
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Oversaw commercial and property development projects valued up to R140M.
- Set commercial strategy
- Lead commercial managers and QS teams.
- Approve Tenders and contract commitments.
- Drive profitability and margin improvement.
- Monitor cash flow and cost reporting.
- Negotiate contract terms with clients.
- Manage high risk valuations and claims.
Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager
Stocks & Stocks Construction
Johannesburg
01.1990 - 01.2005
- Ensured accurate invoicing by reviewing contractor claims for compliance with contract terms and conditions before submission to clients.
- Conducted regular site visits to monitor progress, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Performed measurements for structural and architectural works to prepare cost estimates for projects.
- Estimated and analyzed work performed to request payment from clients.
- Purchased materials and coordinated deliveries to and from construction sites.
- Improved project profitability by effectively estimating costs and negotiating contracts with suppliers.
- Reviewed all consultant drawings and made recommendation to adjust site requirements.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers to optimize construction designs, minimizing material waste and reducing overall costs.
Education
National Higher Diploma - Building Surveying (Quantity Surveying)
Technikon Witwatersrand / University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg07.1993
Skills
Regional Portfolio Leadership
Asset Performance Optimisation
Workflow planning
Risk management
Project management
Strategy development
Operations oversight
Financial Governance & OPEX Control
CAPEX Planning & Lifecycle Strategy
ESG & Sustainability Integration
Commissioning and technical expertise
EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS
- Oversight of USD $989M mixed-use portfolio across 6 African countries
- Full operational and financial accountability for USD $11M annual OPEX
- Leadership of 45 direct and indirect reports
- Delivery of CAPEX programmes up to USD $1M
- FM mobilisation and commissioning of newly developed assets
- PPP transition leadership for government portfolios exceeding R1.2B
- Board-level reporting and regional governance oversight
Timeline
FM Operations Executive – Grit Africa Portfolio
Broll Property Group
11.2022 - Current
Senior Contract Manager
Agile Consulting / Bicacon Construction
01.2018 - 01.2020
Project & Operations Manager – PPP Portfolio
Motseng Facilities Management / Kelo Consulting
01.2010 - 01.2016
Commercial Director
Belela Construction
01.2007 - 01.2009
Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager
Stocks & Stocks Construction
01.1990 - 01.2005
National Higher Diploma - Building Surveying (Quantity Surveying)
Technikon Witwatersrand / University of Johannesburg