Principal Roads Engineer - Major Infrastructure Development

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Roads Engineer to lead the transportation division and oversee the design, planning, and execution of major road projects in the region. You will drive innovation while ensuring safety, quality, and environmental sustainability across all assignments.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced technical expertise in traffic engineering and pavement design, and the ability to mentor a team of engineers and technicians.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with Transportation specialization.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 12 years in roads/highways design and project management.
• Experience with SANRAL standards and local codes.
• Strong leadership and client engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex road/highway projects from concept to construction.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to a team of engineers and drafters.
• Oversee geometric design, pavement design, and traffic management plans.
• Conduct feasibility studies, route selection, and environmental assessments.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources; client liaison and reporting.
• Ensure designs comply with SANRAL standards and regulatory codes; review drawings.
• Support tender processes and construction phase technical services.
• Contribute to business development and proposals; stay updated on trends.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Client liaison

Report writing

Presentation skills

Traffic modeling

Education

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Transportation)

Tools

VISSIM

SIDRA

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Pavement design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned civil engineering consultancy operating in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking a distinguished Principal Roads Engineer to lead their transportation engineering division. This senior role is critical for overseeing the design, planning, and execution of major road and highway infrastructure projects across the region. The ideal candidate will possess a wealth of experience in geometric design, traffic engineering, pavement analysis, and contract administration. You will be responsible for providing technical leadership, mentoring a team of engineers and technicians, and managing client relationships. This hybrid role requires a strategic thinker capable of driving innovation while ensuring project delivery adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. You will play an integral part in shaping the future transportation landscape of the Western Cape , contributing to economic growth and connectivity. We are seeking a highly experienced professional with a proven track record of success in complex road projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex road and highway projects, from conceptualization through to construction.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of civil engineers and drafters.
• Oversee geometric design, pavement design, traffic management plans, and intersection design.
• Conduct feasibility studies, route selection, and environmental impact assessments for transportation projects.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation effectively.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure all designs comply with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) specifications, provincial standards, and other relevant codes.
• Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and contract documentation.
• Manage the tender process and provide technical support during the construction phase.
• Contribute to business development activities and the preparation of proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in transportation engineering.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Engineering.
• Professional registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in roads and highways design and project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in traffic modeling software (e.g., VISSIM, SIDRA), CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D), and pavement design software.
• In-depth knowledge of SANRAL standards, SANS, and other relevant road design codes.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong client liaison and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience in the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region and understanding of local transportation challenges is advantageous.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous leave. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing remote work with essential office-based collaboration. Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and career progression within a respected firm. This role offers the chance to lead impactful projects and make a significant contribution to the region’s infrastructure.