Construction Project Manager - Richards Bay Port Expansion

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a seasoned Construction Project Manager to lead the Richards Bay port expansion, overseeing planning, procurement, execution, and commissioning to meet tight timelines and budget.

You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, manage safety, quality, and environmental standards, liaise with port authorities and stakeholders, and drive risk mitigation and value engineering in a coastal industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Master’s degree or PMP certification is advantageous.
• Minimum 12 years in construction project management delivering large-scale infra/marine projects.
• Experience with port development, dredging, or marine construction preferred.
• Proven ability to manage projects in Richards Bay or coastal industrial zones.

Responsibilities

• Full P&L responsibility for the Richards Bay port expansion project.
• Develop, manage, and execute project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams including site staff, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Oversee construction activities to meet design specs and regulatory standards.
• Implement strong HSE management systems and compliance.
• Manage procurement, contract negotiations, and contractor performance.
• Engage with clients, port authorities, government agencies and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate project risks throughout the lifecycle.
• Monitor progress, control costs, and ensure milestone delivery.
• Conduct site inspections and progress reviews for senior management.
• Promote innovative construction methods and sustainable practices.

Skills

Project leadership

Budgeting

Scheduling

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/Construction Management

Master’s degree or PMP certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in large-scale industrial and maritime construction, is seeking a highly accomplished Construction Project Manager to lead a major expansion project at the **Richards Bay** port. This critical role involves overseeing all facets of the project, from initial planning and procurement through to execution and final commissioning, ensuring delivery within strict timelines and budget constraints. The successful candidate will manage a complex logistical operation, coordinate diverse teams of engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, and uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental management. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact on a vital piece of South African infrastructure, working in a dynamic coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Full P&L responsibility for the **Richards Bay** port expansion project.
• Develop, manage, and execute comprehensive project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Lead and motivate multi-disciplinary project teams, including site staff, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Oversee all construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement and enforce rigorous health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management systems.
• Manage procurement, contract negotiation, and contractor performance.
• Liaise effectively with clients, port authorities, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project progress, control costs, and ensure timely completion of milestones.
• Conduct regular site inspections and progress reviews, reporting findings to senior management.
• Champion innovative construction techniques and sustainable practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or PMP certification is advantageous.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in construction project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale infrastructure or maritime projects.
• Specific experience with port development, dredging, or similar marine construction projects is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, or similar coastal industrial zones.
• Expertise in project planning software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) and financial management.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of South African construction regulations, contract law, and HSE standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex logistical challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and decision-making acumen.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to reside in or commute regularly to **Richards Bay**.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive, performance-driven remuneration package, including a highly competitive salary, substantial project completion bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund. This role provides the opportunity to lead a career-defining project in **Richards Bay**, gain invaluable experience in maritime infrastructure, and contribute to the economic growth of the region. Professional development and advancement opportunities within a leading global construction firm are also provided.