Project Director

University of Fort Hare; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,030,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Project Director to lead a major Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement programme in rail transport. You will coordinate delivery, manage portfolio performance, lead project and subsystem managers, and ensure collaboration across internal functions and external stakeholders.

The role requires a degree in Business Management or Engineering, a proven track record in large-scale projects, strong PM skills, and leadership in a

Qualifications

• Experience leading large, multi-stakeholder programmes in rail or industrial settings.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and governance.
• Ability to lead teams in a matrix organisation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the TRAXX 23E Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement project to achieve strategic goals.
• Manage portfolio risks and ensure alignment with resource capabilities.
• Drive timely project execution in line with contractual commitments.
• Develop, lead, and mentor project managers and subsystem managers.
• Provide operational support to bid and project teams, including risk management.
• Enforce adherence to project and bid governance standards.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Business Management/Engineering

Job description

R 2 000 000 - R 2 030 000 Annually Cost To Company

A global leader in rail transport and mobility solutions is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead a high-profile Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement programme. This is a senior leadership opportunity within one of the most respected names in the rail industry worldwide.

About the Opportunity

This is a complex, multi-stakeholder programme leadership role with significant strategic weight. You'll be responsible for coordinating the full delivery of a major technical support and spares supply project — managing performance across your portfolio, leading a team of project and sub-system managers, and ensuring seamless collaboration between internal functions and external stakeholders. If you thrive in dynamic, matrixed environments and have a track record of delivering large-scale projects in rail or industrial settings, this is your next challenge.

About the Opportunity

This is a complex, multi-stakeholder programme leadership role with significant strategic weight. You'll be responsible for coordinating the full delivery of a major technical support and spares supply project — managing performance across your portfolio, leading a team of project and sub-system managers, and ensuring seamless collaboration between internal functions and external stakeholders. If you thrive in dynamic, matrixed environments and have a track record of delivering large-scale projects in rail or industrial settings, this is your next challenge.

What You'll Be Doing

• Coordinating the TRAXX 23E Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement project to achieve strategic goals while managing portfolio risks
• Ensuring the portfolio remains aligned with resource capabilities and availability
• Driving timely project execution in line with customer requirements and contractual commitments
• Developing, leading, and mentoring a high-performing team of Project Managers and Sub-System Managers
• Providing operational support to bid and project teams, including risk management and process improvement
• Deploying and enforcing adherence to Project and Bid function processes and governance standards
• Working closely with internal functions including Site Managing Directors, Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Finance, as well as external customers and independent assessors
• Supporting continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing across the team

What You'll Need

• A degree in Business Management, Engineering, or a Master's Degree in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience leading projects in a business or industrial environment — rail sector experience highly advantageous
• Solid knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
• Comfortable working in a matrix organisation and managing cross-functional teams
• A Project Management Certification (IPMA or PMI) — advantageous
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Experience in international and/or senior leadership roles

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted