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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• 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:
• Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of construction sequencing, structural/mechanical/electrical interfaces, and contract provisions.
• Analytical & Engineering Judgement: Ability to apply first-principles engineering thinking to diagnose complex field problems.
• Leadership & Influence: Capable of leading without authority, motivating contractors and consultant teams towards shared goals.
• Integrity & Resilience: Unwavering ethical compass, with the resilience to hold ground on compliance and quality under schedule pressure.
• Communication: Exceptional report writing, presentation, and negotiation skills tailored to both the boardroom and the site hut.
• Digital Proficiency: Competent in MS Project/Primavera P6, BIM 360, and collaborative online project management platforms
Working Conditions:
Location: Office based. Head office, Durban Westville.
Hours: Full-time; may require extended hours during critical phases.
Travel: Occasional travel to project sites if multiple locations exist
Reporting to Business Unit head.
Closing date: 08 June 2026
Please send application with subject line Project Manager (Durban) to careers@kufanikiwa.co.za
If you do not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful.