Principal Civil Engineer - Water & Sanitation Projects

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-driven bonuses

Advanced training and professional dev

Pension and medical aid

Hybrid work environment

Career progression to leadership

Office located in Pretoria

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead water and sanitation infrastructure projects, overseeing design, planning and delivery for pipelines, treatment plants and reservoirs. The role blends essential on-site collaboration with remote work for focused design and analysis.

You will mentor engineering teams, manage budgets and timelines, ensure compliance with SA and international standards, and contribute to business development through proposals and client liaison.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a water focus.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA or equivalent professional recognition.
• Minimum of 10 years in water and sanitation projects with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, planning and execution of large water and sanitation projects.
• Develop water resource management strategies and feasibility analyses.
• Review designs to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Mentor civil engineers and technicians; manage budgets and schedules.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Oversee site investigations and construction supervision as needed.
• Support business development and proposal activities.

Skills

Water resource management

Hydraulic modeling

Project leadership

Mentoring teams

Regulatory compliance

Client liaison

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering consultancy in Pretoria , is seeking an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to lead critical water and sanitation infrastructure projects. This role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of water resource management, treatment processes, and distribution systems. You will be responsible for managing complex projects, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring the highest standards of design and delivery. This is a hybrid role, blending essential on-site collaboration and project management with the flexibility of remote work for focused design and analysis. Our client is committed to sustainable development and providing essential services to communities across South Africa. Join us in Pretoria and make a significant contribution to improving public health and environmental sustainability through innovative water and sanitation solutions. Your expertise will be key in developing resilient infrastructure for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of large-scale water and sanitation projects, including pipelines, treatment plants, and reservoirs.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of water resource management strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies, options analyses, and preliminary designs for new water and wastewater systems.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of civil engineers and technicians.
• Ensure all designs comply with national and international standards and regulations for water and sanitation.
• Liaise with clients, government bodies, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Undertake site investigations and construction supervision as required.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and proposal writing.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in water engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the water and sanitation sector.
• Proven track record in managing significant infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Expertise in hydraulic modeling, water treatment technologies, and distribution network design.
• Strong knowledge of South African water policies and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience with hybrid work models, demonstrating effective collaboration across remote and in-office settings.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
• A strong commitment to public service and sustainable infrastructure development in Pretoria .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Performance-driven bonuses.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Contribution to pension and medical aid schemes.
• Exposure to challenging and impactful projects across the region.
• A dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Supportive management and team culture.
• Potential for career progression to senior leadership roles.
• Convenient office location in Pretoria .