Senior Programme Manager, Critical Minerals

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Market-related remuneration packages

Total guaranteed salary packages

Job summary

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria invites applications for the role of Programme Manager: Critical Minerals Programme within the Mining Cluster. You will lead the Programme Management Office, guiding a multi-disciplinary team to deliver technology innovation, governance, and impact across critical mineral value chains.

The role demands senior leadership, strategic planning, and strong stakeholder engagement with national and international partners to advance

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering (Mining, Metallurgy, Chemical, Mechanical) or Physical/Chemical Sciences.
• Registered (or eligible) as a Professional Engineer (ECSA) or Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) will be advantageous.
• At least 10 years' progressive experience in managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary technical or R&D programmes.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership capacity managing professional project managers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience managing public-sector funding portfolios exceeding PFMA thresholds is desirable.
• Proven track record of establishing or scaling national or international technology programmes.
• Experience reporting to executive boards or steering committees.
• SAQA evaluation for international qualifications where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Implement and adapt the 3-year Business Plan and develop a medium- to long-term strategy for CAMP sustainability.
• Structure and operate the PMO systems with SEMPs and project execution frameworks.
• Direct and supervise daily activities of the BD Practitioner and Programme Administrator.
• Ensure alignment of deliverables with national strategies (e.g. Critical Minerals Strategy, DSTI Decadal Plan, NDP).
• Oversee operational and technical working teams and the judging panel.
• Attract multiple funding streams from public and private sectors.

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria invites applications for the role of Programme Manager: Critical Minerals Programme within the Mining Cluster. You will lead the Programme Management Office, guiding a multi-disciplinary team to deliver technology innovation, governance, and impact across critical mineral value chains.

The role demands senior leadership, strategic planning, and strong stakeholder engagement with national and international partners to advance