SENIOR MANAGER INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGIC PROJECTS (DoA) (FIVE (5) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

The Agricultural Research Council; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Hatfield is seeking an experienced Infrastructure Project Manager to lead large-scale development projects. Responsibilities include managing governance, compliance, and budgets while overseeing cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant NQF-Level 7 Degree and have a minimum of 6-8 years in middle management or 3 years in senior management. This position presents an opportunity to drive strategic infrastructure initiatives supporting research excellence.

Qualifications

• NQF‑Level 7 Degree in Facilities Management, Property Management, Engineering, Project Management or similar.
• Professional registration (ECSA, SACPCMP, SACQSP, SACAP, PMI) is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6‑8 years in a middle‑management role or 3 years at senior‑management level.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee large‑scale infrastructure development projects.
• Manage planning, design, costing, and procurement of projects.
• Ensure project governance, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Project management

Governance and compliance

Budget management

Risk management

Technical specifications

Education

NQF-Level 7 Degree

Job description

Description

• Lead and oversee large‑scale infrastructure development projects across ARC campuses.
• Manage planning, design, costing, procurement, construction and commissioning of strategic infrastructure initiatives.
• Ensure project governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and oversee construction schedules, risk registers, technical specifications and contractor performance.
• Coordinate infrastructure development linked to DoA‑funded strategic programmes (e.g. Climate Smart Centre of Excellence).
• Lead feasibility studies, business cases and funding proposals for new capital projects.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and external professional service providers.
• Drive strategic campus development, including consolidation of Pretoria‑based research facilities.
• Ensure delivery of infrastructure that enables research excellence and organisational sustainability.
• Prepare progress reports, technical documentation and project financial analyses.
• Develop and manage Opex and Capex budgets.
• Oversee staff performance management and service delivery standards.
• Prepare technical, operational and financial reports.

Requirements

• NQF‑Level 7 Degree in Facilities Management, Property Management, Engineering, Project Management or similar.
• Professional registration (ECSA, SACPCMP, SACQSP, SACAP, PMI) is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6‑8 years in a middle‑management role or 3 years at senior‑management level.

Closing Date for Applications 09 January 2026

The Agricultural Research Council is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of the Employment Equity Act.