Principal Civil Engineer - Infrastructure Development

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level benefits package

Professional development & leadership

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to lead major civil infrastructure projects. You will guide design, planning, and execution, mentor teams, and liaise with clients and authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and project success.

The role requires a senior leader with a proven track record in transportation and infrastructure programs, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to excellence in delivery and development of the Gauteng region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with Transportation or Infrastructure focus.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• At least 15 years of progressive civil engineering experience, with 8+ in senior/principal roles.
• Extensive experience in design and management of large-scale transportation projects.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of SA infrastructure policies, regulations, and standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial acumen and project finances experience.
• Willingness to work from Vereeniging office and travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for major civil infrastructure projects.
• Lead design, planning, and development of transportation systems, roads and bridges.
• Oversee preparation of project plans, feasibility studies, and environmental assessments.
• Manage project teams, mentor engineers, and ensure professional development.
• Act as primary client contact and coordinate with authorities and stakeholders.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS, regulations and best practices.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resources for successful delivery.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, maintaining safety and quality.
• Contribute to business development and securing new projects.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Financial acumen

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA

Tools

Engineering design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent infrastructure development firm, is seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Civil Engineer to lead critical projects in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This senior role requires a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the planning, design, and delivery of large-scale civil infrastructure, including transportation networks, urban development, and public works. You will be instrumental in shaping project strategies, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and project execution. The role is based in our Vereeniging office, offering a stimulating environment for collaboration and innovation. We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in complex civil engineering challenges and a passion for contributing to the region's development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership and strategic direction for major civil infrastructure projects.
• Lead the design, planning, and development of transportation systems, roads, bridges, and associated infrastructure.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive project plans, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments.
• Manage project teams, including assigning tasks, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring professional development.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, government authorities, and other stakeholders, fostering strong relationships.
• Ensure all designs and projects comply with relevant South African National Standards (SANS), local regulations, and best practices.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, and specifications prepared by the engineering team.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring safety and quality are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute to business development efforts and the acquisition of new projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation or Infrastructure Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with at least 8 years in a senior or principal role.
• Extensive experience in the design and project management of large-scale transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• In-depth knowledge of South African infrastructure development policies, regulations, and standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing project finances.
• Proficiency in relevant engineering design and project management software.
• Willingness to work from our Vereeniging, Gauteng office and travel occasionally to project sites.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Significant responsibility and influence on major infrastructure projects.
• Opportunity to shape the future development of Gauteng.
• Access to professional development and leadership training.
• Stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.
• Contribution to a company with a strong reputation and impact.