Project Manager – Industrial Automation

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

On-site role in Richards Bay

Career development and training

PPE and safety equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Manager to oversee industrial automation and process-improvement initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive projects from concept through to handover, coordinating with engineering, production and maintenance teams on site.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong manufacturing process knowledge, and experience with PLC/SCADA/HMI systems. PMP is a plus and a commitment to safety and quality is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in project management within industrial/manufacturing settings.
• Proven experience in automation, robotics, or process control projects.
• Knowledge of PLC, SCADA, HMI, and other automation technologies.
• Familiar with MS Project or Primavera.
• PMP certification is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of industrial automation projects.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in line with business needs.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, resource allocation, and budgets.
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineers, technicians, and contractors.
• Oversee selection, procurement, and implementation of automation hardware/software.
• Ensure projects are on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Manage risks, issues, and changes with mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, and quality teams for integration.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide regular status reports and document lessons learned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

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.