Designer Team - Lead

ZealHR; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

ZealHR is seeking an experienced Designer – Team Lead for our Bellville-based civil engineering team. You will guide design delivery, coordinate stakeholders and ensure quality across documentation.

Responsibilities include leading design teams, performing technical reviews, and liaising with authorities for approvals while maintaining project budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or diploma with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate civil engineering design and documentation.

Skills

Civil design

Team leadership

Client coordination

Quality assurance

Regulatory compliance

Education

BEng/BSc/BTech or DipTechEng

Diploma in Civil Engineering

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

Revit

MS Office

Job description

Designer Team – Lead

A well-established South African civil engineering and infrastructure consulting company is seeking an experienced Designer – Team Lead to join its Bellville-based team. The company delivers civil engineering and infrastructure solutions across a range of projects, with a strong focus on technical quality, efficiency, innovation and practical project delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with Project Production Managers and design engineers on design and documentation activities, while taking ownership of team coordination, technical reviews and the quality of design deliverables.

Responsibilities

Design Delivery & Documentation

• Lead and coordinate civil engineering design and documentation.
• Apply value engineering principles, including constructability, cost efficiency and sustainability.
• Review calculations, reports and drawings for accuracy, scope and budget alignment.
• Prepare and coordinate complete design, tender and contract documentation.
• Ensure designs are accurate, coordinated and construction-ready.

Site Investigations & Reporting

• Lead or support site investigations and assess site conditions and constraints.
• Document findings and ensure accurate setting-out information.
• Monitor site progress and provide feedback to project management and clients.
• Prepare site instructions and variation orders within project budget requirements.
• Assess potential site-related delays and penalties in line with contractual procedures.

Regulatory Compliance & Technical Standards

• Ensure designs comply with SANS, international standards, municipal regulations and client specifications.
• Review submissions against contractual requirements and project milestones.
• Provide technical input on design feasibility and client requirements.
• Liaise with authorities and stakeholders to resolve technical queries and support approvals.

Design & Quality Assurance

• Review drawings, quantities and specifications for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify design issues and drive improvements in quality and workflow efficiency.
• Verify measurements for accurate costing and BOQ alignment.
• Identify project risks and develop appropriate mitigation options.
• Promote quality throughout the design process.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Coordinate with architects, QSs, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Participate in client engagements and communicate technical information professionally.
• Lead coordination to identify and resolve design conflicts.
• Ensure consistency and quality across project documentation.
• Balance client requirements with sound engineering judgement and cost effectiveness.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead and coordinate the internal design team to meet project requirements.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, technologists and design staff.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, coaching and technical development.
• Promote time management, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Encourage teamwork and collaboration across disciplines.
• Lead by example and contribute positively to the company’s culture and values.

Requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (BEng/BSc) or BTech in Civil Engineering.
• A Diploma in Civil Engineering (DCE) or Diploma of Technology in Civil Engineering (DipTechEng Civil)may be considered based on relevant experience.
• 5+ years relevant experience in civil engineering consulting, preferably within municipal services, roads, stormwater or water reticulation.
• ECSA Candidate Engineer or Candidate Engineering Technologist registration is advantageous.
• Proven experience leading design teams on infrastructure projects.
• Experience with projects involving earthworks, stormwater, sewer, water reticulation and/or roads.
• Experience engaging with municipal authorities, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design standards, including SANS, international codes and municipal requirements.
• Ability to manage design deliverables while balancing constructability, technical accuracy, commercial requirements and client expectations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Proficiency in engineering design software such as Civil 3D, Revit and AutoCAD, or similar.
• Valid driver’s licence is required.

Advantageous

• InfoDrainage
• InfoWorks
• Synergy
• HEC-RAS
• EPANET
• EPA SWMM
• TUFLOW
• AutoTURN