Project Manager – Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement plan

On-site role

PPE provided

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Manager to lead industrial automation and process-improvement initiatives on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You’ll guide cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle, from concept to handover, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and safety compliance.

The role demands a hands-on leader with strong engineering fundamentals, PLC/SCADA knowledge, and experience driving complex projects within manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management within manufacturing/industrial environment.
• Proven track record in industrial automation, robotics, or process control projects.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, HMI and related automation tech.
• Experience with safety/regulatory compliance in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closure of industrial automation projects.
• Define scope, objectives, and deliverables aligned to business needs.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, resources, and budgets.
• Manage cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and contractors.
• Oversee procurement and implementation of automation hardware/software.
• Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with required quality.
• Manage risks, issues, changes with mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with production/maintenance/QA for seamless integration.

Skills

Project management

Industrial automation

Leadership

Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the industrial sector, is looking for a dedicated Project Manager to oversee key projects focused on industrial automation and process improvement. This role is crucial for enhancing production efficiency, implementing new automation technologies, and ensuring seamless integration into existing operations. The successful candidate will manage all phases of the project lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to implementation, testing, and handover. We seek a proactive and technically adept individual with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and automation systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a company at the forefront of industrial innovation, located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The position requires hands‑on involvement and close collaboration with engineering, production, and maintenance teams. We are committed to operational excellence and seek a leader who can drive impactful projects that align with our strategic goals. The role is site-based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ensuring direct oversight and engagement with operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of industrial automation projects.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with business requirements.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, resource allocation, and budgets.
• Manage cross‑functional project teams, including engineers, technicians, and external contractors.
• Oversee the selection, procurement, and implementation of automation hardware and software.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes, implementing mitigation strategies as necessary.
• Coordinate with internal departments (e.g., production, maintenance, quality assurance) to ensure smooth integration.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and industry standards.
• Conduct project reviews, provide regular status reports to stakeholders, and document lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in managing industrial automation, robotics, or process control projects.
• Solid understanding of PLC systems, SCADA, HMI, and other automation technologies.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex technical projects and multiple priorities.
• Experience with safety protocols and regulatory compliance in manufacturing settings.
• Flexibility to work on‑site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• PMP certification is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to work on advanced automation technologies.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Stable employment with a reputable industry leader.
• On‑site role with direct impact on operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Annual leave and company holidays.
• Company‑provided PPE and safety equipment.
• Team‑building events and a supportive workplace culture.
• Potential for career advancement into senior engineering or operational management roles.