Mechanical Project Engineer

Agri Technovation South Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Agri Technovation South Africa seeks a seasoned Project Manager to lead capital projects from concept through handover at our Wellington site in the Western Cape. You will drive feasibility studies, budgets, schedules and risk management while coordinating across facilities, infrastructure and production equipment.

You will liaise with internal teams, consultants and suppliers, ensuring compliance with HSE and engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum five years’ project management experience.
• Experience in capital, engineering, construction, infrastructure or manufacturing projects.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules and procurement.
• Proficiency in project management software and MS Office.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport.
• Willingness to travel and work outside normal hours.
• PM qualification or professional engineering registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects from concept to handover.
• Define scope, budgets, schedules, resources and risks.
• Support annual and long-term CAPEX planning.
• Coordinate design, procurement, construction and installation.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, cash flow and reporting.
• Review drawings and update facility layouts.
• Improve processes and space utilisation for expansion.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and engineering requirements.
• Maintain project documentation and close-out reports.
• Liaise with internal teams, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Travel when projects require it.

Skills

Project management

Budgets & scheduling

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

We are a leading AgTech and Input business that operates throughout selected international markets as part of a global group of Agri Technovation (AT) companies. As a fast-growing business, we are looking to expand our team with suitably qualified and experienced candidates looking for an opportunity to become part of our company and all it has to offer.

Science-based plant and soil health and nutrition is at the root of everything we do. Through our dynamic service offering (precision services, products and the use of our cloud-based data platform that supports informed decision making), we assist producers to increase their crop yields while reducing production costs. Our clients enjoy the benefit of one centralised access point for services, products and high-tech support. We also offer unique services to our clients, including MYSOIL CLASSIFICATION, ITEST CARBOHYDRATES (first of its kind commercially available) and PICKLOGGER, which offerings set us apart from our competitors.

A highly experienced leadership team drives the business with an acute ability to guide, inspire and lead all team members, ensuring strong focus on our mission - maximising grower profitability through science and technology.

We are immensely proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to what's to come - new challenges, new solutions, more innovation.

About the Role

Manage capital projects from concept and feasibility through implementation, commissioning and handover, while driving continuous improvement within our manufacturing environment. Projects include facility expansions, infrastructure, equipment installations and process upgrades, with remote involvement in international capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage capital projects across the full lifecycle, from feasibility and planning through implementation, commissioning and handover.
• Define project scope, objectives, budgets, schedules, resources and risks, and prepare feasibility studies, cost estimates and business cases for approval.
• Support annual and longer-term capital expenditure planning, maintain an overview of the project pipeline and participate remotely in international capital projects.
• Coordinate design, procurement, construction and installation across facilities, infrastructure, utilities, production equipment, laboratories and warehouses.
• Coordinate internal teams, consultants, contractors and suppliers, monitor progress and resolve technical challenges while minimising disruption to operations.
• Manage project budgets, expenditure, forecasts and cash flow, and report on progress, costs, risks and scope changes.
• Prepare scopes of work and technical specifications, evaluate tenders and quotations, and manage contractor performance, claims and payment milestones.
• Review technical drawings and use basic CAD to develop or update facility and equipment layouts.
• Improve process flows, material movement, equipment placement and space utilisation, allowing for future expansion and operational needs.
• Support the Maintenance team with maintenance optimisation and cost improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, building and engineering requirements, including risk assessments, permits and statutory approvals.
• Oversee inspections, testing, commissioning and defect resolution, ensuring installations meet specifications before handover.
• Maintain project and technical documentation, complete close-out reports and review whether projects achieved their intended benefits.
• A recognised bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least five years' relevant project management experience, preferably in capital, engineering, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing or equipment installation projects.
• Experience managing multiple projects from concept through commissioning and handover.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, procurement, contracts, contractors and suppliers.
• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office.
• Strong planning, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A valid driver's licence and own transport.
• Willingness to undertake limited travel and work outside normal hours when projects require it.
• A Project Management qualification, professional engineering registration or eligibility, and experience in agricultural, manufacturing, processing or laboratory environments will be advantageous.

This is an on-site position based in Wellington, Western Cape

Remuneration:

Negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications.