Ivor Gates
Kimberley
Summary
Proactive Facilities Manager with a successful background in Property Management and Facilities Operations. Achieved high standards in contractor management and maintenance through effective oversight and strategic planning. Committed to delivering quality service and fostering a culture of safety and teamwork.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilities Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
Cape Town
01.2025 - 03.2026
- Managed appointed contractors and ensured that the work performed was of a high standard.
- Compiled scopes of work for the execution of work.
- Ensured that the work performed by our outsourced service providers is of the desired quality standards.
- Approved the contractor's quotations and invoices for payment.
- Ensured that the contractor's pricing is in line with current market pricing.
- Assisted the Head of Facilities with various Capex and Planned Maintenance projects, such as the security upgrade project to improve security and access control at 23 residential complexes.
- Assisted with conducting site visits for companies bidding on projects.
- Conducted the health and safety induction for new employees.
- Member of the Health and Safety Team, the Security Upgrade committee and the Complex Safety Committee.
- Solved problems and offered solutions to maintain and satisfy facility users.
- Planned maintenance activities following budget, building use needs and operational requirements to maintain high standards.
- Negotiated contracts with service providers, securing favourable terms and cost savings.
- Managed day-to-day communication with maintenance contractors and service providers, acting as principal site contact.
- Updated and maintained accurate records of facilities operations, ensuring ready access to information.
- Coordinated with external contractors for specialised maintenance tasks, overseeing quality and timeliness.
- Conducted regular health and safety audits, implementing recommendations to uphold safety standards.
- Prepared monthly and yearly management reports to present key facility statistics.
- Analysed and reported on facilities-related expenditures, providing insights for cost management.
- Developed and monitored annual budgets for facilities maintenance, achieving cost reductions without compromising quality.
- Monitored building security systems and procedures, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.
- Sourced vendors and suppliers for business needs and negotiated terms for optimum service delivery.
- Responded to emergencies by coordinating appropriate resources and services to keep everyone safe.
- Facilitated staff training on health and safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety awareness.
- Oversaw renovation projects from conception to completion, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Planned maintenance activities in accordance with budget limitations, building use needs and operational requirements.
- Advised senior management on facilities needs and delivered ongoing operational support.
- Resolved facilities-related issues promptly, minimising impact on business operations.
- Managed comprehensive maintenance and repair programmes for all facility equipment, minimising downtime.
- Supervised external facility contractors for service consistency and standards.
- Set accurate budgets based on historical data and forecasted trends to keep operations financially sound.
- Oversaw building improvements to update facilities and meet tenant requirements.
- Liaised with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Liaised with government and local authorities to maintain legal compliance.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
Property Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
Cape Town
12.2021 - 01.2025
- Managed a portfolio of 3 rental housing complexes comprising 652 units, plus 120 free-standing houses.
- Managed rental finances, processed late payments, and maintained expense records to ensure accurate financial oversight.
- Compiled monthly reports on income, expenditure, vacancies, and lettings, providing landlords with clear insights on property performance.
- Prepared detailed monthly and annual property performance reports for landlords, highlighting income, expenses, and occupancy rates.
- Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies for vacant properties, significantly reducing void periods.
- Implemented cost-saving measures across managed properties, effectively reducing operational expenses without compromising service quality.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to tenants, addressing queries and concerns promptly to ensure tenant retention.
- Addressed nuisance issues to enhance tenant satisfaction and maintain occupancy rates.
- Facilitated smooth move-in and move-out processes for tenants, including inventory checks and deposit management.
- Completed thorough property inspections before, during and after tenancies.
- Conducted thorough property inspections to identify necessary repairs and improvements, maintaining high standards of property condition.
- Implemented repairs and maintained maintenance schedules to keep properties in optimum condition.
- Managed emergencies, such as property damage or urgent repairs, ensuring swift resolution and minimal disruption.
- Monitored and enforced compliance with property rules and regulations to maintain a harmonious living environment.
- Managed appointed contractors and ensured that the work performed was of a high standard.
- Approved contractors' quotations and invoices for payment.
- Ensured the contractor's pricing was in line with current market pricing.
- Prepared budgets and did budget forecasts.
- Monitoring budgets and recovery of rentals and utility payments.
- Utilised property management software to streamline administrative tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy of property documentation.
- Organised and maintained accurate records of all property transactions, including leases, maintenance requests, and financial statements.
- Liaised with solicitors to resolve property management issues, including disputes, evictions, and contract negotiations.
- Member of the Health and Safety Team, the Security Upgrade committee and the Complex Safety Committee.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of housing market trends and developments.
Facilities Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
Cape Town
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Led a team of 4 Building Managers and 1 Junior Facilities Manager.
- Managed appointed contractors and ensured that the work performed was of a high standard.
- Ensured that the 2151 rental units in my portfolio were maintained and that tenant complaints were responded to within 24 hours or as soon as humanly possible.
- Ensured that the standby Building Supervisor responded to after-hours emergency calls.
- Approved the contractor's quotations and invoices for payment.
- Negotiated contracts with service providers, securing favourable terms and cost savings.
- Assisted the Senior Facilities Manager with various projects, such as the security upgrade project to improve security and access control at 23 residential complexes.
- Planned maintenance activities following budget, building use needs and operational requirements to maintain high standards.
- Monitored vehicle usage of team vehicles.
- Prepared scopes of work for minor works to be performed by contractors.
- Maintained site safety files.
- Managed day-to-day communication with maintenance contractors and service providers, acting as principal site contact.
- Updated and maintained accurate records of facilities operations, ensuring ready access to information.
- Coordinated with external contractors for specialised maintenance tasks, overseeing quality and timeliness.
- Analysed and reported on facilities-related expenditures, providing insights for cost management.
- Conducting the health and safety induction for new employees.
- Member of the Health and Safety Team, the Security Upgrade committee and the Complex Safety Committee.
- Prepared monthly and yearly management reports to present key facility statistics.
- Supervised a team of facilities staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Responded to emergencies by coordinating appropriate resources and services to keep everyone safe.
- Advised senior management on facilities needs and delivered ongoing operational support.
- Resolved facilities-related issues promptly, minimising impact on business operations.
- Managed organisational resources to meet administrative and operational needs whilst adhering to budgetary guidelines and meeting quality and schedule demands.
- Managed comprehensive maintenance and repair programmes for all facility equipment, minimising downtime.
Civil Engineering Support Manager
PACIFIC ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
Baledogle
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Mentored Somali National Army personnel.
- Managed facilities maintenance and clean-up on a 600-man military base with the assistance of a maintenance manager and 14 local national workers.
- Managed a vehicle maintenance workshop with the assistance of a vehicle maintenance manager and 8 local national workers.
- Performed installation and maintenance of air-conditioning units, water, and sewer pipelines.
- Controlled fuel allocated for vehicle and generator use.
- Maintained and controlled 2 generators for power generation.
- Maintained and operated a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit to provide water from boreholes to the base.
- Checked and corrected daily reports from my deputies before dispatching them to the Regional Program Office.
- Compiled weekly reports for senior management at the RPO.
- Compiled weekly material purchase requests in accordance with the available budget.
- Maintained the 4km access road to the base.
- Maintained the sewer leach field and sewer lift stations.
- Organised regular team meetings, fostering an environment of open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
- Managed budget for support department, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum efficiency.
Facilities and Compliance Manager
FEATHERBROOKE ESTATE
Krugersdorp
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Managed all common areas and buildings.
- Managed all contractors providing services for landscaping and maintenance, and managed municipal response to infrastructure repair and maintenance.
- Managed all major projects and upgrades to the estate.
- Coordinated and scheduled all maintenance on buildings, security systems and 5km of electrified perimeter fencing.
- Ensured that parts and materials were procured timeously for security systems to function at optimum 24/7.
- Enforced compliance with the rules.
- Facilitated internal investigations into compliance breaches, recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Acted as key compliance contact and officer for regulatory matters, answering queries promptly and politely.
- Scheduled disciplinary hearings.
- Attended monthly meetings with the Compliance Committee, Security Work Group and Aesthetics Committee.
- Approved building renovation plans in conjunction with the Estate Manager and Visiting Architect.
- Compiled business plans for approval by the board.
- Prepared annual budgets.
- Compiled a 5-year budget projection plan.
- Prepared meeting minutes for submission to the Board of Directors.
- Reported to the Estate Manager daily.
- Relieved the Estate Manager when he was on leave.
- Relieved the Security Operations Manager when he was on leave.
- Responded to after-hours emergencies as a stand-in or back-up for the Estate Manager or Security Operations Manager.
Assistant Regional Manager - Operations and Maintenance
EXELIS INCORPORATED
Afghanistan
11.2013 - 06.2014
- Managed power generation, water supply, sewer systems, HVAC systems, and building maintenance across multiple sites to support operational readiness.
- Oversaw operations and maintenance for Afghan military, police, and border police bases, ensuring functionality and safety of critical infrastructure.
- Managed 5 Site Managers and their personnel on various military bases.
- Reported to the Project Operations Manager daily about progress and completion of open work orders.
- Coordinated with assessment department and call centre to ensure accurate ordering of parts and materials and proper job descriptions in Maximo maintenance tracking system.
- Ensured that parts and materials were procured timeously so that work orders could be completed within the scheduled time.
- Communicated with the US Army Corps of Engineers' representative daily.
- Supported professional development of Afghan Army Facilities Engineer.
Site Manager - Operations and Maintenance
CONTRACK INTERNATIONAL INC.
Afghanistan
11.2008 - 10.2013
- Led a crew of 115 Afghan and Third Country National engineers, artisans and technicians to maintain operations of an Afghan Military Base housing 7000 soldiers and facilities for Afghan Police and Border Police 24/7.
- Managed a monthly site budget of $60,000.00 (approximately R1,000,000.00).
- Prepared Preventive Maintenance Schedules for a base housing 7000 Afghan soldiers with a total of 382 buildings.
- Employed CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) to efficiently track and create work orders, enhancing maintenance workflow.
- Ensured that work was completed on time and to the required quality standard; procured materials daily to complete work orders; managed and supervised subcontractor progress and work quality.
- Completed projects on time and within allocated budget.
- Conducted regular site inspections to identify and rectify potential issues promptly.
- Monitored the site warehouse, regional hub materials and daily fuel usage for 10 vehicles.
- Coordinated site logistics to guarantee timely availability of equipment and materials.
- Collaborated with the US Army Corps of Engineers Representative and the Afghan National Army Representative to make and execute decisions regarding the scheduled maintenance program.
- Liaised with the US Army Corps of Engineers Representative daily.
- Coordinated employee schedules and tasks to align with workload demands, adjusting team sizes and assignments to optimise operational effectiveness.
- Managed construction site operations, overseeing project progress and maintaining schedules to meet deadlines.
- Handled unexpected work assignments and small projects to maintain operational efficiency.
- Mentored the Afghan Facilities Engineer and resolved all relevant issues.
- Inspected sites for compliance with established rules and regulations to avoid accidents or incidents.
- Resolved conflicts among team members, maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment.
Education
Facilities Management Short Course - Facilities Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, WC01-2018
Community Association Institute - M100 and M202 Community Management
Community Association Institute of South Africa
Johannesburg, GP01-2015
Facilities Management Professional (FMP ) - Facilities Management
International Facility Management Association, USA
Houston, Texas01-2014
NTC 3 - Technical Engineering
R.C. Elliott Technical College
Kimberley, South Africa01-1979
Skills
- Facilities maintenance
- Facility operations management
- Maintenance management
- Project management
- Project oversight
- Budget management
- Vendor negotiation
- Contract procurement
- Contractor coordination
- Health and Safety
- Safety compliance
- Emergency response
- Quality assurance
- Risk assessments and audits
- Risk assessments
- Regulatory compliance
- Regulatory understanding
- Fire safety regulation compliance
- Building systems understanding
- HVAC system maintenance
- Repair coordination
- Renovation planning
- Supply chain coordination
- Security systems operation
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Leadership skills
- Performance Management
- Strategic planning
- Operations
- MS office suite proficiency
- Compliance understanding
- Facility maintenance knowledge
- Private facilities management
- Sustainability initiatives
- Blueprint reading
- Negotiating proficiency
- Staff supervision
- Blueprint reading
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Afrikaans
Proficient
C2
Interests
- Reading
- Photography
- Combat Shooting
Accomplishments
Effected a turnaround in tenant attitude and rent-paying delinquency while managing a 321-unit block of flats, which resulted in the company dropping plans to sell off the property.
Timeline
Facilities Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
01.2025 - 03.2026
Property Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
12.2021 - 01.2025
Facilities Manager
COMMUNICARE NPC
05.2021 - 12.2021
Civil Engineering Support Manager
PACIFIC ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
11.2018 - 12.2019
Facilities and Compliance Manager
FEATHERBROOKE ESTATE
01.2015 - 10.2018
Assistant Regional Manager - Operations and Maintenance
EXELIS INCORPORATED
11.2013 - 06.2014
Site Manager - Operations and Maintenance
CONTRACK INTERNATIONAL INC.
11.2008 - 10.2013
Facilities Management Short Course - Facilities Management
University of Cape Town
Community Association Institute - M100 and M202 Community Management
Community Association Institute of South Africa
Facilities Management Professional (FMP ) - Facilities Management
International Facility Management Association, USA
NTC 3 - Technical Engineering
R.C. Elliott Technical College