Principal Project Manager - Multidisciplinary

Aecom; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM Cape Town is seeking a Principal Project Manager for multidisciplinary responsibilities across complex projects. You will lead project teams, manage scope, budget, schedule and quality while coordinating with clients and internal stakeholders to deliver value.

The role requires extensive built-environment expertise, advanced PM credentials (PMI/PMP or SACPCMP PrCPM), and a proven track record in business development, risk management and governance.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in built environment with 12+ years post-graduate experience.
• B-Tech / National Higher Diploma with 13+ years post-graduate experience.
• PM qualifications (PMP / PgMP / PfMP / PMI-SP / PMI-ACP) with 13+ years experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertakes full day-to-day Project Management for complex projects or significant programme components.
• Provide technical leadership for project teams and ensure delivery within scope, budget, time and quality.
• Engage with clients and team members to clarify expectations and ensure governance and reporting.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Budget & finance monitoring

Education

Honours degree in built environment

B-Tech in built environment

National Higher Diploma in built environment

National Diploma in built environment

PM related qualification (procurement, QS, eng, arch, planning)

Job description

Principal Project Manager - Multidisciplinary AECOM•Cape Town, CARL CRONJE DRIVE, South Africa

Job Description

Here is what you will be doing:

Undertakes full day to day Project Management role on a range of complex projects or on a small programme of projects or running a significant component of a major project or programme of projects. Undertake internal team and project management responsibilities and partake in business development activities.

Team Management

• Provides technical leadership for larger and more complex project and programme teams and is considered to be an expert in their field
• Responsible for technically leading groups of Project Managers, Senior Project Managers and technical teams to deliver within scope, budget, time and quality standards
• Engages with project teams within a field of expertise to confirm project approach and review deliverables
• Delivers effective communication inclusive of clients and team members to clarify expectations and requirements
• Shares knowledge to develop technical skills of project and programme teams
• Participates in recruitment, technical interviews and evaluations of prospective resources
• Make day-to-day decisions for project and programme teams
• Mentors technical leadership talent and trains staff, ensuring discipline skills are up to date and industry-relevant

Technical Excellence

• Applies diversified knowledge of Project Management principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields
• Makes decisions independently on technical problems and methods
• Identifies and delivers new technical offerings
• Develops and approves the methodology for new work areas, as well as new tools and techniques that add value
• Resolves complex technical problems and acts as the go-to person for specific technical issues
• Acts independently on technical matters and demonstrates innovation in delivering technical excellence
• Performs quality reviews and serves as Lead Verifier on projects, confirming that the approach satisfies the client scope of services and expectations
• Applies acquired expertise and knowledge to solve technical challenges and provide coaching to peers and team members
• Supports digital transformation strategy and implementation and embraces change within the discipline
• Responsible for developing a robust technical network within AECOM globally to provide clients with the most appropriate technical solutions and is part of the global technical practice teams
• Assists with bids
• Able to monitor and track the budget for specific tasks within the project
• Functioning as a Project Manager on APIC on up to 5 active projects
• Manages project services and projects using APIC and other systems as relevant
• Responsible for timely cash collection in compliance with contract terms
• Responsible for ensuring that any additional work/changes in scope are approved by clients
• Ensures all deliverables comply with the PDS
• Complies with all QA requirements
• Benchmarks project data
• Participates in internal and external networking
• Understands project delivery requirements and is well versed with AECOM’s project delivery procedures

Client Relationship Management

• Participates in preparing major bids and proposals, whilst supporting business development initiatives through their technical expertise
• Maintains regular contact with clients to identify pre-released opportunities
• Has the knowledge and expertise required for this work level, which usually results from progressive experience and internal management exposure
• Markets AECOM’s technical excellence in the relevant industry by attending conferences and publishing technical papers
• Presents to clients, senior leadership and other project stakeholders to demonstrate progress

Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Ensures assigned teams effectively coordinate with each other

Qualifications

Here is what we are looking for:

• Honours degree in built environment field of study with a minimum of twelve (12) years' relevant post-graduate experience
• B-Tech degree in built environment field of study with a minimum of thirteen (13) years’ relevant post-graduate experience
• National Higher Diploma in built environment field of study with a minimum of fourteen (14) years’ relevant post-graduate experience
• National Diploma in built environment field of study with a minimum of fifteen (15) years’ relevant post-graduate experience
• Tertiary qualification in Project Management related field of study, such as procurement, quantity surveying, engineering, architecture, planning, contracting, etc with a minimum of thirteen (13) years' relevant post-graduate experience

Required

• Registration as PrCPM with SACPCMP (PrCPM), OR
• Certification as PMP / PgMP / PfMP / PMI-SP / PMI-ACP with PMI

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.