About the position
Our client, a leading organisation in the heavy industrial and energy sector, is undertaking a significant transformation of its capital project delivery capability. As part of this turnaround, a critical leadership role has been created for a seasoned project management executive to lead a multi-billion Rand portfolio of complex, coal-fired / thermal power generation capital projects.
This is a flagship appointment – the first of several external hires into the restructured project leadership team. The successful candidate will report directly to the Group Executive and lead a workforce of approximately 150–250 direct and indirect reports, managing a portfolio valued at multi?billions of Rands annually. The role will be based in Gauteng or Mpumalanga, with travel to project sites as required.
We are seeking a pragmatic leader who thrives in challenging environments, can turn around underperforming projects, and drive a culture of disciplined, strategic delivery.
Requirements:
- Relevant NQF7/8 qualification in Engineering or Built Environment
- Minimum 10 years experience in construction management, engineering, or project management
- Proven track record managing multi?billion Rand capital projects in coal?fired/ thermal power generation or equivalent heavy industrial environments (e.g., mining, oil and gas, large?scale infrastructure, smelters, refineries, process plants)
- Demonstrated experience leading large teams (100+ people) in complex project environments
- Strong contract and commercial management experience, ideally with NEC and/or FIDIC contract forms
- Experience working within an owner's engineer or EPC/EPCM contracting will be preferred
- Turnaround or distressed project recovery experience is highly desirable
Preferred (Advantageous):
- Registration with recognised professional bodies such as:
- ECSA (Pr Eng / Pr Tech Eng)
- SACPCMP (PrCPM / PrCM)
- PMI (PMP / PgMP)
- APM (ChPP)
- RICS (MRICS / FRICS)
- Postgraduate business qualification (e.g., MBA, MBL, MCom in Leadership)
- Senior management / executive education (e.g., AMP, PLD, or equivalent)
- Governance certification (e.g., IoDSA Certificate in Corporate Direction or equivalent)
Key Responsibilities
- Direct the delivery of construction management programmes, ensuring safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives are met
- Lead financial performance and optimisation of capital investment, with accountability for multi-billion Rand budgets
- Position projects for strategic interfacing, negotiation, change management, and stakeholder engagement at board and governmental level
- Direct project risk management strategies to minimise overall impact on the capital investment programme
- Lead, motivate, and develop a large, diverse project team, building a high-performance culture
- Drive the transition from reactive firefighting to proactive, strategic project governance
Desired Skills:
- Change Management
- Commercial Acumen
- Contracts
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Team Leadership
