Principal Civil Engineer - Roads & Stormwater

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & provident fund

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead the Roads and Stormwater division in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role requires a Pr. Eng.

registration and a minimum of 12 years in civil engineering with a focus on roads and drainage. You will mentor a team, manage client relationships, and ensure sustainable, compliant designs. You will oversee project lifecycles from feasibility through construction close-out and contribute to business development in the Free State region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with Transportation or Water focus.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• 12+ years post-graduate civil experience in roads and stormwater.
• Experience leading large infrastructure projects and teams.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MXRoads, HEC-RAS, hydraulic modeling.
• Strong knowledge of SA standards, policies and environmental laws.
• Excellent leadership, communication and client management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of road infra projects incl. geometric and pavement design.
• Oversee stormwater systems design incl. culverts, channels and detention ponds.
• Manage full lifecycle from feasibility to design and construction close-out.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS standards and environmental regulations.
• Manage budgets, schedules and resources for projects.
• Engage with clients, contractors and authorities in Bloemfontein.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client management

Project management

Strategic decision-making

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering (Transportation or Water Engineering)

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MXRoads

HEC-RAS

Hydraulic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected engineering consultancy, is looking for a Principal Civil Engineer to lead their Roads and Stormwater division in Bloemfontein, Free State. This senior role demands extensive technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in managing complex infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, planning, and execution of major road networks, urban drainage systems, and related infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will play a critical role in mentoring a team of engineers, managing client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions for the Free State region. This is a key leadership position within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of road infrastructure projects, including geometric design, pavement design, and traffic control.
• Oversee the design of stormwater management systems, including culverts, channels, and detention/retention ponds.
• Manage the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to detailed design, construction supervision, and project close-out.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers and technicians.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant SANS standards, municipal requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct peer reviews of designs and technical reports prepared by the team.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation effectively.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, contractors, and governmental agencies in Bloemfontein.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client engagement.
• Champion best practices in civil engineering and promote innovation within the team.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation or Water Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive post-graduate experience in civil engineering, with a significant focus on roads and stormwater management projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale infrastructure projects and managing engineering teams.
• Expert proficiency in relevant design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MXRoads, HEC-RAS, and hydraulic modeling tools.
• Thorough understanding of South African infrastructure standards, policies, and environmental legislation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and client management skills.
• Proven ability to make sound technical judgments and strategic decisions.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous provident fund. We invest in our employees' professional development through training, workshops, and support for professional registrations. Join a leading firm that is shaping the infrastructure of Bloemfontein and contributing to the sustainable development of the Free State province. You will work on impactful projects with a team of highly skilled professionals.