Head of Engineering

Edge Executive Search Group; Alberton; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established services group in Johannesburg is seeking a Head of Engineering to own the engineering and facilities operating model across critical sites. You'll manage budgets, set service standards, and lead change initiatives while ensuring compliance and high performance in engineering operations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering or FM and the GCC certification, along with robust leadership experience and technical knowledge.

Qualifications

• Strong FM/engineering leadership with multi-site exposure.
• Proven track record in budgeting, KPI/SLA management.
• Working knowledge of OHS Act, ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Own FM engineering strategy and operating model.
• Build and govern capex and opex budgets.
• Translate customer business plans into service requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Strategic sourcing

Education

Degree in Engineering or FM

GCC (Government Certificate of Competency)

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Head of Engineering

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Type: Permanent

About the Role

As Head of Engineering, you’ll own the full engineering and facilities operating model across strategic and critical sites. You’ll translate customer business plans into practical FM strategies, set clear service standards (safety, quality, environmental), and shape how teams and partners deliver reliably and economically. You’ll balance long-term asset integrity with day-to-day uptime while managing budgets, risk, and change at scale.

Who the Client Is

This opportunity is with a well-established, multi-site services group supporting large, complex customers nationwide. The organisation is known for disciplined capital management, contractual excellence, and a data-led approach to facilities and engineering performance.

What You’ll Do

• Own FM engineering strategy and operating model (people, process, systems) across critical facilities.
• Build and govern capex and opex budgets; ensure compliance and value delivery.
• Translate customer business plans into service requirements, KPIs, and SLAs; drive contract compliance.
• Lead supplier strategy with Supply Chain; oversee commercial, contract, and vendor management.
• Embed safety, quality, and environmental standards (OHS Act, ISO 9001) and risk controls.
• Direct change and communication programs to align culture and ways of working.
• Engage senior customer stakeholders; maintain satisfaction at agreed levels and beyond.

What You Bring

• Degree in Engineering or FM (postgraduate business/management advantageous).
• GCC (Government Certificate of Competency) – required.
• Strong FM/engineering leadership with multi-site exposure and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Proven budgeting (capex/opex), KPI/SLA management, and vendor/contract leadership.
• Working knowledge of OHS Act, ISO 9001, risk and quality systems; SAP/MS Office proficiency.
• Track record in change management, strategic sourcing, and property/CRM environments.

What Success Looks Like

• Robust, cost-effective operating model that consistently meets safety, quality, and uptime targets.
• Clear KPIs/SLA governance with transparent reporting and improved customer satisfaction.
• Predictable budgets and capex plans that extend asset life and reduce unplanned downtime.
• High-performing internal teams and suppliers aligned to contract requirements and culture.
• Measurable risk reduction and audit-ready compliance across sites.

Rewards & Challenges

Expect broad scope, senior customer visibility, and the chance to modernise how engineering is delivered. The flip side: complex contract landscapes, competing priorities, and the need to lead change without disrupting critical operations—this role is for someone who thrives on accountable delivery.

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