Program Manager - Infrastructure Development

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of major infrastructure and development projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead cross-functional teams, shape program strategy, and drive on-time, on-budget delivery in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

You will collaborate with engineering, construction, and regulatory teams to align initiatives with regional growth goals, manage risk, and ensure rigorous governance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, with 7+ years in large-scale infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million rand infrastructure programs from concept to completion.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies and relevant regulations.
• Proven leadership, negotiation, and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage overarching program strategies and deliverables in line with organizational goals.
• Oversee multiple complex infrastructure projects, managing interdependencies and resources.
• Establish governance, risk management, QA, and stakeholder communication plans.
• Monitor progress, address deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets and financial performance for cost-efficient delivery.
• Lead and mentor project managers and teams to foster high performance.
• Engage government agencies, community leaders, and partners to ensure project success.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Report program status and KPIs to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Risk assessment

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Construction Management/Business Administration

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the infrastructure development sector, is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of critical construction and development projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role demands exceptional leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of infrastructure project lifecycles, and a proven ability to manage complex programs with multiple interdependencies. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and successful completion of key initiatives that contribute to the region's growth and development. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, construction, and regulatory teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the future of infrastructure in a vibrant coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage overarching program strategies, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple complex infrastructure projects, managing interdependencies and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain robust program governance frameworks, including risk management, quality assurance, and stakeholder communication plans.
• Monitor program progress, identify deviations from plans, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage program budgets, track financial performance, and ensure cost-effective delivery.
• Lead and mentor project managers and teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, and business partners, to ensure project success and manage expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Report on program status, risks, and key performance indicators to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in program or project management, with at least 7 years focused on large-scale infrastructure development projects (e.g., roads, utilities, buildings).
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million rand infrastructure programs from concept to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies, project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project), and relevant regulations.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large program budgets.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience in risk assessment and mitigation within complex project environments.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr. Eng, Pr. CM) is highly advantageous.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a leading organization.
• Exposure to significant and impactful infrastructure projects.