Principal Project Manager - Civil Infrastructure

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Substantial provident fund

Annual performance bonuses

Leadership development programs

Support for advanced certifications

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Manager for our Pretoria office to oversee planning, execution and delivery of major civil infrastructure projects across Gauteng and national scopes.

You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, drive budgets and schedules, manage contracts and ensure safety, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction throughout project lifecycles.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in project management
• At least 5 years in a senior or principal role managing large civil infrastructure projects
• Proven experience in managing projects valued at over R100 million
• Knowledge of PM methodologies and contract administration (FIDIC, NEC)

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver complex civil infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, water, wastewater)
• Develop comprehensive project plans: scope, resources, schedule, budget
• Oversee procurement, contractor selection and contract management
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout the lifecycle
• Act as primary client/agency/stakeholder contact
• Identify and mitigate project risks
• Monitor progress, produce status reports, implement corrective actions
• Manage project finances and profitability
• Support business development and winning proposals
• Mentor junior PMs and engineers

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Risk management

Contract administration

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree or MBA (desirable)

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration (preferred)

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consultancy firm specializing in large-scale civil infrastructure development, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Manager for their Pretoria office. This pivotal role involves overseeing the planning, execution, and successful delivery of major infrastructure projects within the Gauteng province and nationally. You will be responsible for managing all project phases, from initial feasibility studies and design through to construction and commissioning, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven track record in delivering complex civil engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams to deliver complex civil infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, bridges, water supply, wastewater systems).
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope definition, resource allocation, scheduling, and budget management.
• Oversee the procurement process, including contractor selection and contract management.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks proactively.
• Monitor project progress, prepare regular status reports, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage project finances, track expenditures, and ensure profitability.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and the preparation of winning proposals.
• Mentor and develop junior project managers and engineers.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree or MBA is highly desirable.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal role managing large civil infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in managing projects valued at over R100 million.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, contract administration (FIDIC, NEC), and risk management.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Experience in the Pretoria or broader Gauteng infrastructure sector is a strong advantage.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships effectively.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical aid, a substantial provident fund, and annual performance bonuses. Our client provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, including leadership development programs and support for advanced certifications. You will be instrumental in shaping the infrastructure landscape of Pretoria and contributing to significant national projects. The role also fosters a collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and technical excellence.

• highly competitive salary
• private medical aid
• a substantial provident fund
• annual performance bonuses