Professional Services Manager

Ontec; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading services firm is seeking a Professional Services Manager in Cape Town. This senior role involves overseeing regional operations, project management, and ensuring client satisfaction across key sectors. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience in a similar management role, particularly in engineering or technical services. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven track record in client management are critical. Applicants should submit a detailed CV and supporting documents.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15+ years' experience in senior operations or professional services management role.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams across dispersed operations.
• Experience in electricity and/or water sector is highly advantageous.
• Experience in electricity and/or water sectors advantageous.
• Registration with a relevant professional body is an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow relationships with key public and private sector clients.
• Oversee Regional Operations and ensure compliance with service delivery standards.
• Direct Project Management function to ensure timely project delivery.
• Lead the Smart Technical Centre to deliver cutting-edge solutions and drive innovation.
• Oversee the Customer Solutions Centre to ensure exceptional client experiences and escalations handling.
• Manage departmental budgets, pursue new business opportunities, and report to the CEO.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Communication

Education

Relevant degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Operations Management (NQF Level 7 or higher)

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Project management methodologies

Job description

Overview

The Professional Services Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the seamless integration and performance of the company's core operational and technical divisions. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will provide strategic oversight across Regional Operations, Project Management, the Smart Technical Centre, and the Customer Solutions Centre — driving service delivery excellence, operational efficiency, and business growth.

This is a high-impact role suited to a seasoned leader with a strong background in engineering services, operations management, and customer-centric delivery. The Professional Services Manager will work closely with executive leadership to align departmental performance with the company's broader strategic objectives.

Job Purpose

To manage and grow strategic relationships with key public and private sector clients, including national state-owned Water and Electricity transmission and distribution companies and Municipalities across South Africa.

Requirements

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and operational leadership across all assigned departments, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and business objectives.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable plans, KPIs, and performance frameworks.
• Foster a high-performance culture across departments, championing continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.

Regional Operations Management

• Oversee the Regional Operations departments, ensuring resource optimization, compliance, and consistent service delivery standards.
• Monitor regional performance metrics and implement corrective measures where required.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with regional teams, stakeholders, and key clients.

Project Management

• Direct the Project Management function to ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Implement and enforce project governance frameworks, methodologies, and reporting standards.
• Identify project risks and drive proactive mitigation strategies to protect business outcomes.

Smart Technical Centre

• Lead the Smart Technical Centre to deliver cutting-edge technical solutions in electricity and water services.
• Drive innovation and technological advancement within the center, ensuring alignment with industry trends and client needs.
• Ensure technical quality standards and compliance requirements are consistently met.

Customer Solutions Centre

• Oversee the Customer Solutions Centre to ensure exceptional client experiences and resolution of service-related queries and escalations.
• Develop and implement customer engagement strategies that enhance satisfaction, retention, and long-term partnerships.
• Monitor customer service metrics and implement improvement plans to achieve targets.

Financial & Business Management

• Manage and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and financial accountability.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in collaboration with the Sales and commercial teams.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports, insights, and recommendations to the CEO.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• A relevant degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (NQF Level 7 or higher). A postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 15+ years' progressive experience in a senior operations or professional services management role, preferably within the engineering, utilities, or technical services sector.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams across geographically dispersed operations.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in the electricity and/or water sector is highly advantageous.
• Registration with a relevant professional body will be an added advantage

Competencies & Skills

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain talent.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Excellent client relationship management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and relevant tools.
• Sound financial management and commercial awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting at executive level.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

What we require from candidates applying:

• Detailed CV and include a motivation profile highlighting your skills, highest achievement and a short message telling us why we should consider you for this job.
• Driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Supporting documents and certified proof of qualifications