Facilities Manager at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

Postion Summary:
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Facilities Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Management of the facility operations:
Ensuring that the Sutherland site is operated as an efficient and effective facility of the NRF

Management of the facility maintenance:
Effective maintenance of the Sutherland site in accordance with prescribed standards and specifications

Conformance to legal requirements:
Ensure that the safety management, SHERQ policies and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) systems are adhered to

Management of personnel:
Overseeing all activities on the Sutherland Site - including the daily site and telescope maintenance, hostel and science engagement divisions

Maintain contract management and stakeholder relations:
Coordinates activities with the relevant internal and external stakeholders and contractors

Key Requirements:

Minimum Qualification:

• Qualification in Engineering or equivalent (Degree or diploma)

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in maintaining MV/LV electrical infrastructure
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in maintaining infrastructure
• Minimum of 5 years' management experience
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in maintenance environment

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of South African National Standards (SANS) for power supply and distribution;Legislated responsibility;
• Good understanding of South African construction industry legislation
• Thorough understanding of South African government legislation (PPPFA, PFMA, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Management Act, Construction Industry Board Act and regulations, National Water Act, Minerals & Petroleum Resources Development Act amongst others)
• Good understanding of public sector supply chain management (SCM) legislation and the implementation thereof;
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the System Engineering process;
• Excellent problem solving and analytic skills;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Experience in leading a multi-disciplinary project management team and engineering consultants involved in the design and delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects;
• Proven experience in Project Processes (ie System Engineering; configuration management; logistical support; SCM);
• Project and contracting management experience in the public sector

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• A formal qualification in management/supervision;
• Ability to manage staff complement;
• Computer literate;
• Good technical report writing;
• Problem solving and communication skills;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and under pressure;
• Highly motivated,Proactive approach and self-starter;
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. CFM) will be an advantage; and
• Experience with Business Continuity Planning.

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal.
Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant
- s suitability for the position.
The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Facilities Management

Desired Qualification Level:

• Diploma

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa