Head of Expansion and Facilities Management – Equity Afya 

Description

The Head of Expansion and Facilities Management is responsible for EQA’s network growth including opening new clinics, renovations, and relocations and managing all facility-related facilities and equipment to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient environment. This role plays a key part in EQA’s strategic growth, ensuring that the expansion aligns with EQA’s strategic goals, regulatory standards, and optimize operational infrastructure across all clinics.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Expansion 

• Develop and implement the EQA’s expansion strategy aligned with the vision, mission and growth objectives.
• Identify and map-out strategic locations for setting up new facilities through market research and network optimization.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget to ensure compliance and increase profitability. 
• Conduct feasibility studies, site evaluations, and cost-benefit analyses for new projects to guide decision making.
• Identify strategic partners such as contractors, government agencies, and other service providers to ensure projects are efficiently executed and maintained.

Franchise Partnership Management

• Grow the Franchise network within the set framework to achieve short term and long-term expansion goals. 
• Actively engage existing and potential franchisees and provide information on potential opportunities for establishing facilities or expansion.
• Oversee Franchisor/Franchisee contract administration, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and managing variations and claims.
• Support the project funding process by ensuring compliance with the bank requirements to ensure projects are completed within the set timelines.
• Coordinate the approval of loan disbursements and drawdowns for franchise led facilities.
• Coordinate the Franchisee onboarding process to ensure they are well trained and aware of their contractual obligations and Franchisor expectations. 
• Lead the end-to-end process for new site construction—including location scouting, lease negotiations, design, and construction oversight.

Project Management

• Oversee all EQA’s expansion and renovation projects from concept to launch.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships effectively.
• Oversee contract administration, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and managing variations and claims.
• Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, Franchisees, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Ensure that all the relevant and required departmental vendors have been onboarded in collaboration with Equity Group’s Supply Chain team.
• Monitor expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Manage the required approvals from local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specified quality standards.
• Collaborate with the consultants, architects, and contractors to meet functional and aesthetic goals.
• Track milestones, manage risks, coordinate stakeholders, and developing mitigation strategies.

Facilities Resourcing and Management

• Develop and implement plans for medical equipment acquisition, ensuring alignment with clinical needs and hospital strategic objectives 
• Oversee the management of medical equipment, including maintenance, repair, and replacement.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to medical equipment management.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all critical facilities infrastructure, equipment, and systems.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain the Departments risk register.
• Lead the facilities management team to maintain facilities’ infrastructure, including buildings, equipment, utilities, and grounds.
• Ensure uninterrupted support services like electrical systems, water, sanitation, and waste disposal in EQA owned facilities.

Compliance & Safety

• Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures. 
• Ensure all facilities comply with safety regulations and other regulatory requirements such as waste management, Occupational health and Safety fire safety, accessibility, Nema standards, before opening.
• Coordinate physical security measures including CCTV, access control systems, and emergency response plans.
• Coordinate pre-opening compliance audits and ensure closure of all nonconformities in new and existing facilities.
• Ensure facilities and expansion activities comply with local, national, and healthcare structural regulations. 
• Implement safety protocols and conduct regular audits to minimize hazards and ensure patient and staff safety.

People and Culture

• Build and lead a high-performing team.
• Set annual key performance indicators for the department and direct reports. 
• Conduct performance reviews for your direct reports. 
• Provide training, mentorship, and performance evaluations to ensure team effectiveness.
• Monitor the department’s performance to ensure objectives and targets are achieved.
• Foster a culture of ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability within EQA network.

Qualifications

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, or in a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, Business Management, Facilities Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in infrastructure development and facility operations. Experience in a healthcare industry is an added advantage.
• Project Management Certification (PMP) is an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale construction or expansion projects.
• Experience in real estate acquisition, project execution, and facilities operations in a regulated environment.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth understanding of real estate, leasing, construction management, Franchising principles and asset and Facilities management.
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Proficiency in project management tools and ERP software.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and make quick, informed decisions.
• Financial acumen and negotiation skills.