
Iqbal Kassam
Operations & Facilities Management Professional
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About
I'm an operations leader with roughly 14 years of experience in property and facilities management, including GM-level leadership. Most recently, I've served as Operations Manager at Chameleon Solutions, a light gauge steel construction company in Nairobi, and previously held a General Manager role at Capital Centre Mall.
My track record spans large residential and commercial portfolios, where I've driven occupancy optimization, built strong tenant relationships, coordinated vendors, and managed financial reporting. I thrive in roles with real operational authority — where I'm solving problems daily, working closely with people, and directly accountable for outcomes rather than managing through intermediaries.
I'm now looking to bring that experience to a General Manager or senior operations leadership role, ideally one where property and facilities management is handled in-house, giving me the hands-on control to deliver results.
Experience
Operations Manager at Chameleon Solutions Limited (2025-01 – Present)
- Appointed to the inaugural operations role to centralize and Direct daily operations across departments, ensuring seamless process execution and cross-functional alignment with business strategy.
- Analyzed operational workflows and implemented process improvements that boosted efficiency and reduced costs.
- Directly supervise and lead Procurement, Logistics, and Store teams, driving productivity and fostering continuous improvement.
- Serving as primary contact to manage vendor relationships: negotiate contracts, evaluate supplier performance, and ensure timely procurement.
- Supervised inventory planning, budgeting, and procurement documentation for cost control and compliance.
General Manager – Capital Centre at Modways Investments LTD. (2024-01 – 2024-12)
- Develop and implement comprehensive property maintenance programs to ensure the upkeep of facilities.
- Coordinate with vendors and contractors to facilitate timely repairs and maintenance activities.
- Manage a team to oversee day-to-day operations and address tenant concerns.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify areas requiring maintenance or improvement.
- Develop and maintained relationships with tenants, vendors, and contractors.
- Oversee budgeting and financial planning for property maintenance activities.
- Coordinate several ongoing construction and maintenance projects.
Senior Property Manager at Cura International / Sai Group Ltd (2017-11 – 2023-12)
- Successfully managed a diverse portfolio of over 400 residential units and over 40 commercial units, overseeing day-to-day operations.
- Demonstrated exceptional management skills in tenant relations, facilities management, rent and service charge collection, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive property maintenance programs, coordinating with vendors and contractors to ensure timely repairs and maintenance, resulting in improved property aesthetics and increased tenant satisfaction.
- Prepared comprehensive budgets and reports for property owners and investors, showcasing strong financial acumen and attention to detail.
- Provided effective leadership by training, supervising, and managing a team of staff members, fostering a productive and efficient work environment.
- Acted as point of contact for all tenants and residents.
- Oversaw a diverse portfolio of commercial properties, managing all aspects of property operations including leasing, tenant relations, and maintenance, resulting in an average occupancy rate of 95%.
- Implemented strategic marketing initiatives to attract and retain high-quality tenants, resulting in an increase in lease renewals and a reduction in vacancy rates.
- Led a team of property management professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to optimize their performance and ensure excellent customer service for tenants.
- Coached and mentored teams, promoted professional development, and cultivated high-performance culture.
Store Manager at Apollo Tours (2014-10 – 2016-01)
- Oversaw the Parts and Stores division, efficiently managing daily services, maintenance, storekeeping, and stock control for company vehicles
- Successfully organized procurement activities, encompassing both local and import operations.
- Implemented effective strategies for inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing shortages.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in leading a team, fostering a positive work environment, and achieving set goals.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to enhance team productivity and performance.
- Maintained strong vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms and conditions to maximize company resources.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve seamless coordination and smooth operations.
- Implemented safety procedures and protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Procurement Manager at Famiar Generating Systems (2011-01 – 2014-10)
- Spearheaded the Parts Division, overseeing seamless organization of deliveries and workshops for enhanced client satisfaction.
- Administered daily services for clients, ensuring efficient storekeeping and meticulous control of stocks and store operations.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by effectively managing both local and import procurement processes.
- Implemented strategic measures to optimize procurement efficiency and foster cost savings.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain activities and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to forecast demand, monitor market trends, and maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Developed and nurtured strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and conditions to drive profitability.
- Implemented robust quality control measures to uphold product standards and customer expectations.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of vendors to ensure adherence to contractual agreements.
- Championed continuous process improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and enhance overall procurement performance.
Assistant Head Of Sales at Ashut Engineers Ltd (2010-06 – 2011-07)
- In charge of Office Administration.
- Handling cash customers and preparing cash receipts, receiving, Invoicing, and completing L.P.O's.
- Organizing deliveries and client queries.
- Keeping vehicle records.
- Debt Collections for Medium-sized entities.
Education
Front End Web Development – Intel College (2022-01 – 2022-12)
Bachelor of Arts Equivalent: Level 6 Diploma in Business Management – Oshwal College (2016-01 – 2016-12)
Advanced Diploma Level 6 in Business Management – Oshwal College (2016-01 – 2016-12)
Diploma Level 5 (ii) in ABE Business Management – Oshwal College (2016-01 – 2016-12)
Diploma Level 5(i) in ABE Business Management – Oshwal College (2016-01 – 2016-12)
Diploma of Higher Education Level 4 in Business Management – Oshwal College (2010-01 – 2010-12)
