Recruiting Commercial Property Professionals: What Employers Should Look For
Recruiting experienced commercial property professionals requires a clear understanding of the position, the responsibilities involved and the skills required to perform successfully. Commercial property agencies, property management companies, landlords and investment businesses employ people across a wide range of disciplines. Each position demands a different combination of industry experience, technical knowledge and professional skills. Whether appointing a commercial property broker, property manager or facilities manager, employers should establish their recruitment requirements before approaching potential candidates.
Define the Position and Responsibilities
An effective recruitment process begins with a clear job description. Employers should identify the primary responsibilities of the position, the experience required and how the role fits into the wider business. For example, a commercial property broker specialising in office leasing may require different market knowledge and client relationships from a broker focused on industrial investment sales. Similarly, a property manager responsible for a single office building may have different responsibilities from a portfolio manager overseeing multiple commercial properties. A detailed job description helps candidates understand what is expected and allows employers to assess suitability more accurately.
Assess Relevant Industry Experience
Commercial property experience is often specific to a particular sector or function. A candidate with experience managing retail shopping centres may have a different operational background from someone responsible for industrial parks or office buildings. Employers should consider the types of properties previously managed, the size of portfolios, reporting responsibilities and the commercial decisions candidates have been involved in. For brokerage positions, relevant considerations include transaction experience, market knowledge, business development performance and the ability to maintain professional client relationships.
Consider Technical and Commercial Skills
Certain commercial property positions require specialised knowledge. Property managers may need experience in lease administration, budgets, operating costs, tenant relationships and financial reporting. Facilities managers should demonstrate an understanding of building maintenance, contractor management, safety procedures and technical services. Asset management positions may require investment analysis, financial modelling and experience evaluating the performance of property assets. Employers should distinguish between essential technical requirements and skills that can be developed through training.
Evaluate Communication and Relationship Management
Commercial property is a relationship-driven industry. Many positions involve regular interaction with landlords, tenants, investors, contractors and other service providers. Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills are valuable across brokerage, management and operational roles. During interviews, employers can ask candidates to provide practical examples of how they have managed difficult tenant situations, negotiated commercial terms or resolved operational problems.
Structure the Interview Process
A consistent interview process allows employers to evaluate candidates against the same criteria. This may include discussing their previous responsibilities, reviewing relevant achievements, assessing technical knowledge and establishing whether their career objectives align with the position. For senior appointments, reference checks and additional assessments may also form part of the recruitment process, subject to appropriate consent and applicable requirements.
Commercial Property Recruitment Services
Property Jobs is developing a recruitment network focused on experienced professionals within South Africa’s commercial property industry. Our recruitment focus includes commercial brokerage, property management, facilities management, asset management, leasing and related disciplines. Employers looking to appoint property professionals can submit their recruitment requirements for consideration and discuss potential candidate sourcing and placement services.
Contact Property Jobs to Discuss Your Recruitment Requirements.
