Rene Swart
Head Of Facilities / Director Of Operations
Cape Town
Summary
Facilities and operations leader with strong track record in managing complex projects, streamlining processes, and enhancing operational efficiency. Known for fostering team collaboration and driving results, consistently adaptable to changing needs. Expertise in strategic planning, resource management, and building maintenance. Renowned for reliability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
SENIOR CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
Together School
06.2025 - 08.2025
- This was a 3 month online contract job while transitioning from Australia back to South Africa.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new clients, reducing the time to initial product adoption.
- Established lasting partnerships with key stakeholders within each client organisation to foster long-term success.
- Served as an escalation point for critical client situations, ensuring prompt resolution and maintaining high levels of satisfaction.
- Played instrumental role in client satisfaction by working with operational teams for proper resolution of service issues.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
St Alban's College
03.2023 - 02.2025
- Reported directly to the Headmaster of the College and the Director of Finance and Commerce.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives. Participated as a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO).
- Oversaw daily operations involving 600 students, 160 permanent staff, 30 outsourced contract staff, 400 parents and family members along with numerous daily visitors.
- Administered all aspects of facilities management, ensuring effective service delivery to the school, which included building maintenance and renovations, new building projects, grounds maintenance, sports facilities management, furniture arrangements, venue hire, security, health and safety, cleaning, pest control and waste management, and transport services.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful completion of projects, resulting in increased productivity.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster a productive and engaging work environment.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve organisational goals and drive sustainable growth.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives (operational budget of R15 million excluding salaries, CAPEX budget of up to R40 million per annum for building projects).
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
- Spearheaded project management efforts at a senior level for all new building initiatives, providing input on design, defining project scopes, liaising with Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Landscape Architects, and other professionals as required, and attending site meetings to ensure proper furnishing of the buildings.
- Contributed actively in committees, including the Planning Committee responsible for planning and approving all capex projects on campus, and EXCO, Health & Safety, and various events committees.
- Negotiated lease agreements and managed rentals and renovations, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organisation by enforcing compliance with established regulations, policies, procedures, as well as conducting regular audit checks.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating vendor contracts and optimising supply chain logistics.
- Oversaw security management for the safety of all staff, students, visitors, and school assets, liaising with the outsourced security company regarding security protocols including CCTV, alarms, and electric fencing.
- Collaborated on masterplan development with relevant parties to guarantee the school's alignment with future guidelines.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Provided essential services through the Facilities Department for school events, collaborating with departments such as Finance and Marketing, while conducting weekly meetings to discuss forthcoming events.
- Mitigated risks by developing comprehensive contingency plans that ensured business continuity during unforeseen events or challenges.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
RSFM Consulting - Own Business
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Delivered tailored solutions for clients in various industries, addressing unique challenges and needs.
- Mentored Estate Managers in effective communication techniques, analytical skills development, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Evaluated diverse organisational systems to identify workflow, communication, and resource utilisation issues.
- Conducted data-driven analyses to identify areas of opportunity for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' operational structures, recommending actionable steps for improvement.
- Implemented technology solutions that streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and reduced costs for clients.
- Conducted tenders from understanding the requirements, drawing up the documentation, finding service providers to adjudicating final tenders in order for client to make informed decisions.
- Project management - classroom renovations, office moves and renovations, etc.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Leveraged on-site observation and personal interviews to identify team and individual strengths.
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
St Stithians College
08.2007 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
- Oversaw operations involving 2,600 students, over 400 permanent staff, over 300 temporary staff (coaches, interns, locums, etc.), more than 150 outsourced contract staff, 1,800 parents and family members, and numerous visitors.
- Managed building maintenance and renovations, new construction projects, grounds upkeep, sports facilities, audiovisual and sound systems, event management and furniture arrangements, campus medical services, security, health and safety, transport (buses and drivers), cleaning, and waste management.
- Led the operations team comprising 34 permanent staff and over 150 outsourced staff involved in cleaning, security, health and safety, grounds maintenance, and waste management.
- Oversaw 105 hectares of facilities, encompassing five schools.
- Conducted strategic planning by aligning the Operations Strategic Plan with the Campus Strategic Plan regarding facilities, including the development of a 2053 Facilities Plan.
- Effectively managed service delivery to the six schools on campus in all aspects of facilities management.
- Handled human resources functions such as employee management, recruitment, performance assessments, bonus motivations, training, counselling, mentoring, and conducting disciplinary hearings (as chair or initiator).
- Prepared and managed an operational budget of R32 million excluding salaries, and a capex budget of up to R30 million per annum for building projects.
- Participated in senior-level project management for new building initiatives, from input on design and scope definition to liaising with architects and construction professionals and attending site meetings for project completion.
- Actively involved in committees such as the Planning & Development Committee, responsible for planning and approving CAPEX projects on campus, EXCO, strategic planning, and various event committees including annual Sports Festivals. Additionally attended Council meetings and produced termly reports on departmental activities.
- Negotiated lease agreements and managed renovations as part of lease management responsibilities.
- Appointed by the Rector as the Chair of the Campus Health & Safety Committee, I led efforts to implement an emergency warning system and developed the Health & Safety Policy, including an electronic filing system for compliance documentation.
- Strengthened compliance with industry regulations by updating policies and conducting regular staff training sessions.
- Guaranteed the safety and security of over 5,000 students, staff, parents, and visitors daily, overseeing a control room with over 500 CCTV cameras. Initiated a Security Forum to address security issues, comprising senior personnel, staff, and parents.
- Involved in IQAA audits and UMALUSI audits, contributing to overall compliance and quality assurance efforts.
- Appointed as the COVID-19 Compliance Officer, leading the COVID-19 Command Centre for the campus, establishing policies, procedures, and workplace plans in response to the pandemic, ensuring a safe return for staff and students.
- Developed a comprehensive buildings and landscaping masterplan 2030 in collaboration with the Rector, Head of Finance, and Architects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Responsible for various policies and procedures, ensuring continuous updates, promotional visibility on the website, and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Managed campus medical facilities to provide occupational health services for staff who are not on medical aid, including clinics, paramedics, and ambulance service.
- Oversaw event management, coordinating security, paramedics, cleaning, and renting of tents and equipment, while creating a Disaster Management Plan presented to the City of Johannesburg for event approval.
- Increased customer satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and ensuring timely resolutions.
- Reduced environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices and eco-friendly operations, gaining recognition in industry.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and employee engagement through targeted training programs.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
Education
Assertive Communication Skills for Women - Communications
Alusani
Johannesburg, South Africa07.2019
Design Thinking in Practice - Critical Thinking
Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking / UCT
Johannesburg, South Africa09.2018
Conflict Management Skills - Conflict Management
Conflict Dynamics
Johannesburg, South Africa05.2018
Leadership Development Programme (NQF8) - Business Management
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa09.2017
Solar PV Feasibility Assessment - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2014
Energy Efficiency Management - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa09.2013
Carbon Footprint Analyst - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa08.2013
Facilities Management - Facilities Management
Centurion Akademie
Pretoria, South Africa11.2009
Managing Corporate Security - Security Management
Marcus Evans
Johannesburg, South Africa03.2006
Corporate Fraud Management & Investigation - Financial Forensics And Fraud Investigation
Gordon Institute of Business Science / University of Pretoria
Johannesburg, South Africa12.2004
Skills
Facilities & Maintenance Management
Property Management & Development
Financial Management & Planning
Recruitment & Selection
Budget Management
Planning & Forecasting
Risk Management & Identification
Contractor Management
Contract Management & Negotiation
Strategic Planning
Staff mentoring & leadership
Project management
Interests
Photography
Walking
Hiking
Reading
Animals
Outdoors
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Beginner (A1)
Quote
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Timeline
SENIOR CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
Together School
06.2025 - 08.2025
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
St Alban's College
03.2023 - 02.2025
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
RSFM Consulting - Own Business
08.2021 - 03.2023
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
St Stithians College
08.2007 - 07.2021
Assertive Communication Skills for Women - Communications
Alusani
Design Thinking in Practice - Critical Thinking
Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking / UCT
Conflict Management Skills - Conflict Management
Conflict Dynamics
Leadership Development Programme (NQF8) - Business Management
Wits Business School
Solar PV Feasibility Assessment - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Energy Efficiency Management - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Carbon Footprint Analyst - Energy Management
Terra Firma Academy
Facilities Management - Facilities Management
Centurion Akademie
Managing Corporate Security - Security Management
Marcus Evans
Corporate Fraud Management & Investigation - Financial Forensics And Fraud Investigation
Gordon Institute of Business Science / University of Pretoria