Operations Director - Project Managment Unit

Zutari; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established engineering firm, Zutari, is seeking an Operations Director for their Project Management Unit. The role involves driving operational success through strategic initiatives, managing day-to-day operations, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure client satisfaction and project delivery. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in an operations role, alongside proven leadership skills in a professional services context.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of proven experience in an operations role.
• 15-20 years post-graduate experience in engineering or consulting preferred.
• Experience working with private and government clients.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the business unit's strategy.
• Support client relationships and deliver tailored solutions.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure efficient project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Vision

Collaboration

Resource Management

Operational Efficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Registered Engineering Professional (PrEng) or PrQS

MBA or similar

Job description

Job details

Operations Director - Project Management Unit - (PM-L10.1)

Requisition # PM-L10.1

Job title Operations Director - Project Management Unit

Category Project Management

Contract type Permanent (Employee)

Full Time

Location Cape Town - Century City, WC ZA

Description

Zutari : Co-creating an engineered impact. Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience.

As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives.

Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue? We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency.

People who have an impact in our teams and broader community.

People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role overview

As the Operations Director for the Project Management Unit at Zutari, the incumbent will play an instrumental role in driving the operational success of the business unit.

The incumbent is tasked with operationalising and leading strategic initiatives, managing day-to-day operations, ensuring consistent service delivery, coordinating cross-functional collaboration whilst ensuring operational efficiencies to achieve Zutari's business objectives.

This pivotal role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver exceptional value to our clients whilst ensuring market penetration and project delivery.

The incumbent will also be responsible for establishing operational goals, metrics, and KPIs to measure performance and monitor progress at a business unit level.

Role responsibilities

• Strategy Formulation and Operational implementation: Contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategy for the business unit aligned with Zutari's overarching goals and objectives. Operationalise and monitor the implementation and execution of strategy in the business unit. Share insights gained in project delivery to identify opportunities, meet client needs, and ensure competitive intelligence.
• Service Delivery and Risk Mitigation: Support the development of strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. Review project technical and commercial delivery approach and risk elements pre-contract to prevent and mitigate downstream delivery risks. Ensure project setup according to "The Way We Work" requirements (digital, knowledge management, resourcing, H&S, QES, etc).
• Resource Management: Optimize the efficient use of business unit and Zutari resources to align with current and future work demands, maximizing operational effectiveness. Allocate resources considering project priorities, staff capabilities, and budgets. Ensure technical training and development for staff.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient project delivery, training, resource allocation, and budget management. Establish and monitor KPIs to drive operational excellence. Support client proposals and bids in terms of pricing and commercial review. Manage the project pipeline and backlog for project readiness. Monitor financial metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Ensure effective communication across business units, coordinate seamless integration of solutions, and build relationships with key partners, clients, and industry bodies.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 8-10 years of proven experience in an operations role of a similar nature.
• 15-20 years post-graduate experience in engineering or consulting (preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or PrCPM.
• Registered Engineering Professional (PrEng) or PrQS (advantageous).
• MBA or similar (preferred).
• Experience working with private and government clients.
• Proven leadership in a professional services environment.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people based on skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace equal opportunity and aim to eliminate all forms of discrimination. Preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.