Senior Civil Engineer - Port Infrastructure

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to lead port and marine infrastructure projects at Richards Bay. You will design and oversee quay walls, breakwaters, dredging works, and related facilities, reporting to senior leadership.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, ensure safety/environmental compliance, and liaise with port authorities to secure approvals. A Pr.Eng with ECSA and 10+ years of relevant experience are required, plus readiness to work on-site in Richards Bay.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with preference for Maritime/Coastal focus.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years in civil engineering with port/marine experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and specification of quay walls, jetties, breakwaters, dredging works.
• Plan and execute port development projects ensuring operational alignment.
• Conduct site investigations, feasibility studies, and risk assessments.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams to deliver on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with SOLAS, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Liaise with port authorities, clients, and stakeholders for approvals.
• Develop budgets, schedules, and allocate resources.
• Provide technical advice throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Team management

Communication

Maritime regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's in Maritime/Coastal Engineering

Pr.Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Marine analysis tools

FIDIC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the maritime infrastructure sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Civil Engineer to lead critical projects at the Port of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role demands a specialist with deep expertise in port and marine structures, including quay walls, breakwaters, and dredging operations. You will be responsible for the design, planning, and execution of complex engineering works, ensuring they meet stringent safety, environmental, and operational standards. The successful candidate will be a proven leader, capable of managing multi-disciplinary teams and liaising effectively with port authorities and stakeholders. This is a demanding but highly rewarding opportunity to contribute to a vital piece of national infrastructure in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and specification of marine civil structures such as quay walls, jetties, breakwaters, and dredging works.
• Oversee the planning and execution of port development and upgrade projects, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
• Conduct detailed site investigations, feasibility studies, and risk assessments for marine construction.
• Manage project teams, including engineers, designers, and contractors, to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant maritime engineering standards, safety regulations (e.g., SOLAS), and environmental legislation.
• Liaise with port authorities, clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and progress.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Provide expert technical advice and support throughout the project lifecycle, from conceptualization to construction completion.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, and construction methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of long-term asset management strategies for port infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; a Master's degree with a specialization in Maritime or Coastal Engineering is highly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with at least 7 years focused on the design and management of port and marine infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of marine structures, coastal processes, geotechnical considerations for marine works, and dredging techniques.
• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and specialized marine analysis tools).
• Experience with project management methodologies and contract administration (e.g., FIDIC).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the operational realities of port environments.
• Willingness to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and potentially travel as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund.
• The opportunity to work on large-scale, impactful projects in a critical sector is a significant draw.
• Employees benefit from continuous professional development, advanced training programs, and career advancement opportunities within a leading organization.
• The company fosters a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork, providing a stable and challenging work environment in the strategic location of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .