Lead Engineer - Contracts

Talent Acquisition Consulting; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Engineering Consultancy based in Cape Town is looking for a highly experienced Lead Engineer to join their Transportation team. This permanent position involves managing civil infrastructure projects, providing contract management, and technical leadership. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years in civil consulting and be proficient in contract documentation and management. You'll work in a supportive environment on impactful projects throughout Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in civil consulting, with at least 5 years as a Contracts Engineer.
• Proven experience on road and runway rehabilitation and new construction projects.
• Strong understanding of surfacing, asphalt, and concrete materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide contract management and technical leadership on road and runway projects.
• Coordinate pavement design, construction monitoring, and materials testing.
• Manage financial and contract administration from inception to close-out.

Skills

Pavement design principles

Contract management

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Tender documentation skills

Education

BSc / BEng / BTech in Civil Engineering

Registered as a Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng (ECSA)

Tools

MS Office

MS Projects

Contract management tools

Job description

Lead Engineer : Contracts – Cape Town

• ? Cape Town, South Africa
• ?? Engineering Consulting | Transportation Division

An established engineering consultancy is seeking a highly experienced Lead Engineer : Contracts to join their Transportation team in Cape Town. This position reports directly to the Executive Manager : Transportation and will play a critical role in delivering pavement design, contract management, and construction oversight across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and delivering civil infrastructure projects from feasibility to detailed design, contractor procurement, documentation, and contract administration. The role involves leading teams, managing sub-consultants, and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities

Provide contract management and technical leadership on road and runway projects.

Coordinate pavement design, construction monitoring, and materials testing.

Prepare tender documentation, specifications, and bills of quantities.

Oversee professional service providers and project teams.

Manage financial and contract administration from inception to close-out.

Liaise with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.

Maintain compliance with quality management systems and engineering standards.

Qualifications & Experience

BSc / BEng / BTech in Civil Engineering.

Registered as a Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng (ECSA) .

Minimum 10 years’ experience in civil consulting, with at least 5 years as a Contracts Engineer .

Proven experience on road, runway, or taxiway rehabilitation and new construction projects.

Proficiency in SAICE GCC and FIDIC contract forms (NEC and JBCC advantageous).

Strong understanding of pavement design principles , surfacing, asphalt, and concrete materials.

Skilled in tender documentation, claims handling, and dispute resolution.

Excellent communication, report writing, and leadership skills.

Proficient in MS Office, MS Projects , and contract management tools.

Ability to travel locally and within Africa as required.

Valid Code B driver’s license .

Personal Attributes

Detail-oriented and highly organised.

Confident decision-maker with strong negotiation skills.

Collaborative leader who motivates and mentors others.

Ability to perform under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Why Join

This is an opportunity to be part of a respected engineering consultancy with a strong project footprint across Africa. You’ll lead complex transport infrastructure projects, contribute to technical innovation, and work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, growth-driven environment.

Location : Cape Town

Type : Permanent

Travel : Local and regional travel required

Interested?

If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take the lead on impactful transport infrastructure projects, apply now with your detailed CV.