Mechanical Engineering Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team in Pietermaritzburg. You will oversee the department from concept to delivery, mentor engineers, and drive innovation while ensuring projects meet schedule, budget, and quality targets.

Requirements include a Bachelor's or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 10 years' experience with 3–5 years in a leadership role; Pr.Eng is advantageous. You will champion safety and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3–5 years in a management or team lead role.
• Proven experience in project management, ideally with complex engineering projects.
• Strong technical expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Sound financial acumen with experience in budget management.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing or automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of mechanical engineers and designers.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of mechanical engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Ensure all engineering designs meet technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with sales, production, and R&D to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies to improve efficiency and innovation.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Champion a safe and productive work environment.
• Represent the engineering department in management meetings and with clients.

Skills

Team leadership

Mechanical design

Project management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing engineering firm specializing in advanced manufacturing solutions, is looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead their talented team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with a strong technical foundation in mechanical engineering and a proven ability to manage projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation. You will be responsible for overseeing the department's operations, ensuring the successful delivery of engineering projects, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the organization. This is a key leadership opportunity in a thriving industrial hub of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of mechanical engineers and designers.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of mechanical engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Ensure all engineering designs and projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, production, and R&D, to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies and processes to improve efficiency and innovation.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for team members.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Champion a safe and productive work environment.
• Represent the engineering department in management meetings and with clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a management or team lead role.
• Proven experience in project management, ideally with complex engineering projects.
• Strong technical expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Sound financial acumen with experience in budget management.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing or automation is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, extensive professional development programs, and a stimulating leadership role. This position is based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .