Principle / Senior Planner (Mining EPC Projects) – Limpopo

Permanent; Limpopo; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South Africa is seeking a seasoned project planning professional for site-based roles in major EPC projects. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in engineering and extensive supervisory experience, along with strong leadership and analytical skills. This role includes overseeing planning functions, conducting project risk analysis, and ensuring quality deliverables. The contract lasts until December 2025, with potential for a one-year extension.

Benefits

Accommodation provided (4-star lodges)

Qualifications

• 10+ years of supervisory experience in EPC project planning and scheduling.
• Certification by PMI (PMP) or similar is advantageous.
• Expert knowledge of project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and scheduling activities for major EPC projects.
• Manage project schedules using critical path methodology.
• Oversee planning staff and ensure project goals are met.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Microsoft applications

EPC project management

Earned Value Measurement (EVM)

Education

University degree in engineering

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Projects

Cost Measurement tools

Job description

A university degree in engineering, or Technical NHD plus 15 years supervisory related project controls experience on major EPC projects.

Extensive technical and leadership training and project related seminars.

Certification by PMI (PMP) and or AACE / similar accredited project management institute an advantage.

Willing to undergo rigorous in-house PCDP and quality training

Ten plus (10+) years of progressive planning experience to include a minimum of eight (8) years supervisory experience in EPC project planning and scheduling, earned value & risk analysis, performance measurement, and milestones & project auditing.

This level covers positions responsible for planning and directing activities of the planning / scheduling function on a portfolio basis of corporate or major projects.

Advanced Microsoft applications skills.

Advanced MS Projects and other Project Planning Software.

Expert knowledge of WPMP and other Project Management and Planning methodologies.

Demonstrable record of effecting improvements in project delivery.

Understanding of basic finance and accounting.

Fully capable of application of skills and methods in cost engineering, estimating and planning engineering as contained in WPMP & EMS standard practices.

Sound understanding of project delivery phases, activities performed in each phase, and deliverables at the end of each phase – Constructability & VIP reviews / Cost Estimate / Execution Plan.

Have sufficient experience working on major EPCM and / or EPC contracts, in working on projects in various industrial sectors.

Strong knowledge of, and the interrelationship of a good technical project scope definition, quality of the schedule and estimate, construction sequence and execution, procurement and contracting strategies, commissioning and start up

Strong working knowledge of coding structures for EPC projects – WBS, EPS, OBS, RBS, Client Coding Requirements, calendars, activity codes & values, activity identification assignment, auto-cad rules, etc.

Capable of setting up project schedule in accordance with good project management practices based on critical path methodology (Level I to IV Work Schedules), which describes the sequence of work and identifies the significant task interdependencies required to meet the project scope of work.

Working experience with scheduling (and cost control) software; able to put activities in schedules, assign resources (in conjunction with CBS), identify critical paths and high risk activities, producing progress S-curves and histograms, and do analysis on how long it will take to accomplish the project

Full understanding of cross-functional interfaces with, and deliverables engineering, procurement – materials & sub-contracts, estimating, cost management, construction & commissioning, safety, quality, finance / accounting, and document control

Capable of managing impact of change & trends and resulting re-schedules / re-baselines

Capable of developing and managing EPC progress through activities and deliverables using earned value (EVM), cost and schedule performance indicators CPI / SPI / MPI

Working knowledge of Earned Value Measurement (EVM – ANSI EIA-748B) in engineering, procurement & construction

Extensive experience with planning / scheduling systems and tools – Primavera P6, Cost Measurement tools, Progress and Performance Measurement tools (including Time Management systems)

Working knowledge of schedule risk analysis process and tools - quantitative

Possess extensive experience in progress measurements and progress reporting for engineering, procurement and construction

Ability to work well as an integral part of a large project team that includes the customer, engineering disciplines, construction management team, and 3rd party suppliers

Capable of developing and delivering a professional presentation in slide show, report and verbal format for an audience of 5+ persons

Effective analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, individuals both inside and outside the project team

Strong work ethic, produces accurate and credible deliverables, and the ability to meet deadlines

Exercises considerable independent judgement in administering the planning / scheduling control functions; receives little technical guidance; is expected to analyse very complex problems and reach sound conclusions.

Works under administrative direction; work is reviewed in accordance with the meeting of project goals, supervises the work of the project planning / scheduling staff

• Site based position.
• Accommodation will be provided. (4 star lodges)

Contract until December 2025 with a possible 1 year extension.