Principal Engineer – Portfolio Lead

Milton Resourcing; Secunda; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Resourcing in Secunda seeks a Principal Engineer to oversee engineering projects, ensuring compliance with the NAKO standards. The role demands more than 10 years of experience, strong leadership qualities, and effective communication skills. The Principal Engineer will lead teams, manage project implementation and business development initiatives, while ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to quality assurance standards. This position offers an exciting challenge in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• More than 10 years’ experience in engineering.
• Previous experience in an industrial environment is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, literacy, and numerical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering projects and manage both technical and administrative tasks.
• Ensure compliance with NAKO standards and client specifications.
• Manage all aspects of projects, including planning and execution.

Skills

Engineering Excellence

Project Implementation

Business Development

Cost Effectiveness

Communication Skills

Leadership Qualities

Analytical Skills

Education

BSc/BEng Degree in Civil Engineering

Registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Analysis and Design Software

Job description

Job Purpose

A professional who leads engineering projects for the organization and is a hands‑on manager who uses technical and administrative skills to oversee and complete engineering projects.

The portfolio lead will be expected to lead and share knowledge with all personnel.

Responsible for all aspects of a customer category as designated by EXCO.

Position in the Organogram

2.1. Reporting Structure - Functional

Key Performance Area Overview

• 1. Engineering Excellence – 20%
• 2. Project Implementation – 25%
• 3. Business Development – 15%
• 4. Cost Effectiveness – 10%
• 5. Strategy and Quality Assurance – 10%
• 6. Client Satisfaction – 5%
• 7. Compliance with QMS Standards – 10%
• 8. Attitude / Behaviour – 5%

Detailed Description How Responsibilities Are Performed

4.1 Engineering Excellence

• Demonstrates sound technical skills and applies the necessary skills and behaviours to tasks to deliver quality, accurate, and timely work.
• Undertake appropriate administrative responsibilities.
• Oversee and take accountability for tender documentation, and tender analysis reports.
• Ensure alignment and compliance with NAKO standards, engineering best practices, regulatory and statutory requirements and clients’ specifications and expectations.
• Functioning as part of a project team, liaising with other professional team members, other engineering disciplines, office managers, and contractors.
• Ensure engineering services are effectively implemented on projects and that client objectives are met.
• Oversee and take accountability for initial feasibility and scoping, through detailed design, to support for procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover of projects within the required timescales and agreed design budgets.
• Oversee and take accountability for production of technical reports, calculations, and development of design and construction drawings and specifications in compliance with relevant industry standards and to ensure all solutions are safe to build, operate, and maintain.
• Review engineering deliverables before final approval.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to subordinate staff members.
• Adhere to the ECSA Code of Conduct.

4.2 Project Implementation

• Comply with NAKO LBE QMS system group P1 – Project Implementation Systems and P2 – Project Management Systems.
• Compile a fully populated project schedule (e.g., resources, tasks, dates, etc.).
• Prepare client quotations for review and approval.
• Fulfil the role of project leader and/or project engineer as appropriate for multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Lead engineering, drafting and project teams.
• Effective and efficient planning, management, and execution of projects in terms of scope, resources, time, costs, and quality. Including changes to project scope.
• Oversee and take accountability for construction stage monitoring, admin, and financial functions.
• Manage all aspects of vendors and subcontractors.
• Ensure vendor and subcontractor service level agreements and insurance requirements are implemented and sound procurement procedures are followed.
• Responsible for the project quality of own projects.
• Conformance with contractual requirements.
• Record all time spent on projects by completing timesheets with descriptive comments in a timely manner.
• Review and approve timesheets.
• Ensure project invoicing is done on time and according to NAKO QMS and contractual requirements.
• Compile monthly forecasts of projects.
• Ensure project documentation is managed as per NAKO QMS and client requirements.

4.3 Business Development

• Undertake appropriate marketing activities for the benefit of the company.
• Providing excellent client service.
• Maintain, manage and report on key account customers.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the markets.
• Develop new client relationships.

4.4 Cost‑Effectiveness

• Manage financial performance of projects, identify, and resolve problems, and discuss with relevant parties.
• Monitor and manage invoicing.
• Monitor and manage debtors.
• Optimise resource utilisation.
• Reduce unnecessary expenditures.
• Prepare reports on actual project costs vs budgeted costs.
• Projects are delivered within the allowable budget and allocated hours.

4.5 Strategy and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to project procedures and quality plans in line with company policies.
• Assist with the implementation of the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Maintain quality throughout the process.
• Resolve issues with the team when service outputs do not conform to high quality standards.
• Address and action internal and external concerns on time.
• Ensure OH&S procedures and requirements are complied with.
• Adhere to sound tender procurement procedures.
• Prepares and submits relevant reports as per organisational structure.

4.6 Client Satisfaction

• Clear communication, regular updates, and collaborative decision‑making.
• Understand needs and provide tailored solutions to meet requirements.
• Commits to building enduring relationships and delivering optimal customer satisfaction.

4.7 Compliance with QMS Standards

• Comply with NAKO LBE’s QMS requirements in the day‑to‑day carrying out of tasks and responsibilities.
• Effective teamwork, self‑management, and alignment with company values.
• Diligently adheres to internal processes and promotes use of the QMS system.

4.8 Attitude / Behaviour

• Diligent in adhering to required processes and legislation, does what they say they will do, and consistently delivers.
• Comply with NAKO Human Resource Policies.
• Maintain and promote healthy relationships with coworkers.
• Leads by example in a professional manner, builds committed, empowered, and motivated teams, and promotes open communication.
• Relates well to all kinds of people. Builds effective relationships while employing diplomacy and tact.
• Honest and trustworthy.
• Treats people with respect.
• Achieves project goals and demonstrates enthusiasm, persistence, and determination.
• Contribute to the creation of a productive working environment and effective administration.
• Ensure staff are motivated and feel valued and appreciated.

Requirements of the Job Title – Principal Engineer

5.1 Minimum formal education/training

5.2 Minimum experience required

• BSc/BEng Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA.
• More than 10 years’ experience.

5.3 Pre‑requisite knowledge and skills to perform the job proficiently

5.4 Internal training curriculum for the job

• Completed tertiary level civil engineering education.
• Previous experience in the industrial environment will be advantageous.
• Displays leadership qualities.
• Solid understanding of complex engineering problems.
• A proven record of successful projects in a senior engineering role.
• Previous experience managing engineering teams will be advantageous.
• Ad‑hoc training to be provided.

6. Competencies Required for the Appropriate Level

• Experience in engineering and design of concrete and steel structures or civil infrastructure.
• Experience in the industrial environment will be advantageous.
• Appropriate understanding of analysis and design software will be advantageous.
• Intermediate skills for Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work under pressure and understand the importance of delivery and client satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, literacy, and numerical skills will be advantageous.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Displays the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Must be reliable and display leadership qualities.
• Proficient in managing engineering teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.

7. Operational Competencies (Demonstrations of specific job‑related behaviours)

• Drives and understands the importance of deadlines.
• Takes responsibility for the projects that they and their teams have worked on.
• Ability to understand, advise and solve complex engineering problems.
• Takes ownership of projects and shows high regard for the quality of projects produced.
• Leads and technically assists the engineering team on projects.
• Ability to motivate, provide direction and empower teams.
• Delegation of responsibilities.
• Excellent people management skills.