Projects and Engineering Manager

Network Contracting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering services company in Durban is seeking a Project Manager to lead and execute engineering projects in heavy process environments. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and at least 5 years of experience in managing capital projects. Key responsibilities include overseeing project lifecycles, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards. This role offers opportunities to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience managing capital projects in a smelting, foundry, or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Proven knowledge of high-temperature equipment and heavy machinery.
• Strong understanding of engineering project workflows and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute engineering projects across smelting or heavy process environments.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and technical standards.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

MS Projects

Primavera

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute engineering projects across smelting or heavy process environments.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle: scoping, design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Manage and mentor the internal engineering team across mechanical and multi-discipline projects.
• Interface with production, maintenance, and safety teams to ensure seamless integration of projects.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and technical standards to ensure successful delivery.
• Ensure all engineering work aligns with safety, environmental, and legal compliance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across plant performance, asset reliability, and engineering systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering (required).
• Minimum 58 years experience managing capital projects in a smelting, foundry, or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership experience with engineering teams and contractors.
• Proven knowledge of high-temperature equipment, heavy machinery, and process plant systems.
• Excellent understanding of engineering project workflows, risk management, and quality control.
• Strong commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with project management tools (MS Projects, Primavera, etc.).
• Knowledge of ISO standards, OHS Act, and environmental compliance in an industrial setting.
• Professional registration (ECSA or in progress) is an advantage.