Senior Program Manager - Capital Projects

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical insurance

Performance bonuses

International assignments

Housing allowance

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of large capital projects. You will lead strategic planning, execution, and governance to deliver on safety, quality and budget targets within an industrial manufacturing setting.

The role requires a mechanical/civil/electrical engineering degree, 10+ years in project/program management with at least 7 years on large capital projects, PMP or PRINCE2, and proficiency with Primavera P6.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical) or related technical field.
• 10+ years in project/program management with at least 7 years on large-capital projects in industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing budgets exceeding R100 million.
• PM/PRINCE2 certification (PMP/PRINCE2 or equivalent).
• Experience with EPC/Design-Build/EPCM delivery models.
• Willingness to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic program plans for capital projects.
• Oversee lifecycle from feasibility to commissioning and handover.
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Lead and mentor project managers and cross-functional teams.
• Identify, assess, and manage program-level risks and dependencies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and government agencies.
• Monitor progress, performance, and quality; implement corrective actions.
• Approve major expenditures and ensure procurement policy adherence.
• Conduct regular program reviews and report to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & forecasting

Contractor & vendor management

Strategic planning

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical)

Tools

Primavera P6

Project management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of significant capital projects. This demanding role is based in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, and is critical to the company's expansion and modernization efforts. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and successful delivery of multiple large-scale capital expenditure projects, ensuring they meet stringent safety, quality, and budgetary requirements. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing capital projects within an industrial setting, a deep understanding of engineering and construction principles, and exceptional leadership and risk management skills. This is a unique opportunity to drive substantial growth and operational improvements within a key industrial hub. You will work closely with engineering teams, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to ensure project success. The role requires a robust approach to governance and a commitment to achieving excellence in project outcomes. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven track record in high-stakes project environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic program plans for capital projects aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of multiple capital projects, from feasibility studies to commissioning and handover.
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, ensuring strict cost control.
• Lead and mentor project managers and cross-functional teams involved in capital works.
• Identify, assess, and manage program-level risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and government agencies.
• Monitor project progress, performance, and quality, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Approve major project expenditures and ensure adherence to procurement policies.
• Conduct regular program reviews and provide comprehensive reports to senior leadership.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical) or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project and program management, with at least 7 years focused on large-scale capital projects in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing projects with budgets exceeding R100 million.
• Strong knowledge of engineering design, procurement, construction (EPC), and commissioning processes.
• Experience with various project delivery models (e.g., Design-Build, EPCM).
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification is required.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes and regulatory environments.
• Willingness to work on-site in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** and travel as required.

Benefits

• An executive-level salary package starting at R per annum.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, life cover, and disability benefits.
• Significant performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for international assignments and professional development.
• Company-provided housing allowance or on-site accommodation.
• A crucial role in shaping the future of a major industrial facility.
• Pension fund with generous employer contributions.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Access to state-of-the- art facilities and equipment.
• A challenging yet rewarding work environment in **Richards Bay**.