Project Manager ( Mthatha)

May 25, 2026

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

To act as the single point of accountability for the management of engineering and construction projects from concept to close-out. The role is responsible for applying engineering principles to solve complex problems while integrating project management disciplines scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder relations.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

Management

Technical Project Management

Reporting

Professional Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING

Identify, define, and analyse complex construction-related engineering problems through thorough investigation, detailing own contribution to problem understanding.

Develop innovative and practical engineering solutions, providing detailed reasoning, calculations, and technical justification that comply with legal and statutory requirements.

Manage, coordinate, and integrate the outputs of specialist design consultants to ensure a cohesive, buildable design package that meets the project brief.

2. COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT PLANNING AND CONTROL

Assist the client in developing a clear, concise project brief and detailed execution plan, translating strategic objectives into tangible project parameters.

Establish and maintain the integrated project program (procurement, design, construction, commissioning) and critical path analysis.

Implement robust cost management procedures, including budget phasing, cost reporting, commitment tracking, and progressive design cost checks.

Lead the procurement strategy, from drafting consultant scope of services and managing tender processes to contract award recommendation.

3. MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION STAGES

Administer the construction contract (JBCC, NEC, FIDIC, GCC) impartially, including managing site instructions, payment certifications, claims, and variations.

Chair regular site, technical, and progress meetings; prepare and distribute minutes with action items within 48 hours.

Oversee quality assurance and quality control processes, ensuring all works conform to specifications, drawings, and approved method statements.

Manage project close-out and handover, including receiving and coordinating all as-built documentation, commissioning data, and final accounts from contractors and consultants.

4. STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION, AND ETHICS

Proactively identify all project stakeholders, manage their expectations, and maintain clear, auditable communication channels throughout the project lifecycle.

Demonstrate effective verbal, written, and graphical communication with the project team, ensuring technical information is understood by non-technical audiences.

Uphold the professional Codes of Conduct of both SACPCMP and ECSA, exercising sound judgement and taking personal responsibility for decisions within one’s scope of competence.

Build and lead effective multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative environment that respects diversity and resolves conflict constructively.

5. RISK MANAGEMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY, AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Identify, assess, and maintain a project risk register, developing mitigation plans for all technical, financial, environmental, and safety risks.

Advise the client on statutory appointments (e.g., Health and Safety Consultant) and ensure all regulatory permits, licenses, and approvals are in place before works commence.

Champion a zero-harm culture by embedding safety in design, ensuring contractors adhere to SHE specifications, and participating in safety inspections.

6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Demonstrate critical awareness of sustainability principles, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of engineering activities.

Capture and disseminate lessons learned at each project stage gate and at project closure to foster a learning organisation.

Take personal accountability for own professional competence, maintaining valid Pr .Techni/ Pr. Tech Eng /Pr. Eng / PrCPM registration and meeting annual CPD requirements.

Mentor candidate engineers and junior project managers, guiding them in building evidence portfolios for professional registration with ECSA and SACPCMP.

7. REPORTING

Submit a detailed weekly project tracking and management report indicating the status of the project against deliverables and resources, risk, and stakeholder management.

Support tender/bid submissions with technical inputs

EDUCATIONAL, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualification Built Environment or Engineering Degree (BSc/BEng/BTech) in Civil Engineering/ Construction Management at NQF Level 7/8

Mandatory – Professional Registration with ECSA (Pr Techni/ Pr. Tech Eng /Pr. Eng)

Advantages – Professional Registration with SACPCMP: Professional Construction Project Manager (Pr. CPM)

Min. of 8+ years post-qualification experience in the construction industry, with at least 5 years in project management lead role on medium-to-large-scale building or infrastructure projects.

Demonstrable experience administering South African standard construction contracts (JBCC, NEC, GCC, or FIDIC)

Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary professional teams and delivering projects from inception to final account
Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project
Valid Driver’s License

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES