Project Manager - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Career growth opportunities

Company-sponsored training

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a skilled Project Manager specializing in Industrial Automation to lead the delivery of automation projects from concept through commissioning.

You will coordinate with engineering, vendors and plant teams, manage budgets, schedules and risk, ensuring safety standards and client specifications are met while driving continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in project management within industrial automation or manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC programming, SCADA, robotics.
• Strong PM methodologies and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Experience managing projects with significant budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of Mpumalanga industrial landscape is a plus.
• PM certifications (e.g., PMP) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of industrial automation projects from planning to commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, scope, budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate with engineering teams, vendors and production staff to meet objectives.
• Oversee selection and integration of automation hardware and software solutions.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Manage risks, issues and changes with mitigation strategies.
• Provide regular progress reports to senior management.
• Oversee handover of automated systems and training for operations teams.
• Collaborate with clients or internal stakeholders to define requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in automation processes and project execution.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

PLC programming

SCADA

Robotics

Communication

Technical drawings

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

PLC programming software

SCADA software

Robotics hardware

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Project Manager specializing in Industrial Automation to join their operations in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This role is critical for driving the implementation and integration of automated systems within manufacturing and production environments. You will manage projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring seamless integration of technology, adherence to safety standards, and achievement of operational efficiency goals. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in automation, coupled with exceptional project management capabilities and a proven ability to lead complex technical projects. This position requires on-site presence in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**, to effectively manage project execution and collaborate with plant teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of industrial automation projects, including planning, design, implementation, and commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, scope definitions, budgets, and schedules for automation initiatives.
• Coordinate with engineering teams, vendors, and production staff to ensure project objectives are met.
• Oversee the selection and integration of automation hardware and software solutions.
• Ensure projects comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes, implementing effective mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project performance and provide regular progress reports to senior management.
• Ensure successful handover of automated systems and provide necessary training to operational teams.
• Collaborate with clients or internal stakeholders to define project requirements and expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement in automation processes and project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management within industrial automation or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics, and other automation technologies.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Experience managing projects with significant budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with the industrial landscape in **Mpumalanga** is an advantage.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) are desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced technical training and professional development.
• Be part of innovative projects in the industrial sector in **Nelspruit**.
• Collaborative and technically focused work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• Potential for career growth into senior engineering or management roles.
• Company-sponsored training programs.