Head Of Engineering

Edge Executive Search Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management firm in South Africa is seeking a Head of Engineering to own the full engineering and facilities operating model across critical sites. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating customer business plans into practical strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Strong leadership in FM engineering and proven abilities in managing multi-site operations are essential. This role presents the opportunity to modernise engineering delivery while navigating complex contract landscapes.

Qualifications

• GCC (Government Certificate of Competency) required.
• Strong FM / engineering experience with senior stakeholder engagement.
• Proven track record in budgeting and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Own FM engineering strategy and operating model across critical facilities.
• Build and govern capex and opex budgets, ensuring compliance.
• Lead supplier strategy and oversee contract management.

Skills

FM / engineering leadership

Budgeting (capex / opex)

KPI / SLA management

Vendor / contract leadership

Change management

Education

Degree in Engineering or FM

Postgraduate business / management (advantageous)

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) 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 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.