Senior Project Engineer - Plant Expansion

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead major plant expansion initiatives in Vereeniging. This role manages all phases of capital projects from feasibility through commissioning, ensuring on-time delivery and budget adherence in a hybrid work environment.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background and 7+ years in industrial project management, with strong leadership and budgeting skills, and proficiency in MS Project or Primavera.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in project engineering or management, with industrial plant expansion experience.
• Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent technical knowledge in mechanical systems and plant infrastructure.
• Experience with MS Project or Primavera.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closing of capital projects for plant expansion and upgrades.
• Develop detailed scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, procurement, and external contractors.
• Oversee design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigations.
• Provide regular status reports to senior management.
• Manage project documentation and change orders.
• Facilitate handover to operations with training and documentation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Budget management

MS Project

Primavera

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree or PMP certification (advantage)

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing manufacturing entity, is looking for a seasoned Senior Project Engineer to spearhead significant plant expansion initiatives in Vereeniging . This role is central to the successful planning, execution, and completion of capital projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will be responsible for managing all phases of the project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and design development to construction, commissioning, and handover. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a robust technical background in mechanical engineering, and proven experience in managing large-scale industrial projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's growth and operational capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closing of capital projects related to plant expansion and upgrades.
• Develop detailed project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
• Manage project execution, coordinating with internal teams (engineering, operations, procurement) and external contractors and suppliers.
• Oversee the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases of projects.
• Ensure projects comply with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular project status meetings and provide comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Manage project documentation, including contracts, drawings, specifications, and change orders.
• Ensure effective handover of completed projects to operational teams, including training and documentation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings within project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree or PMP certification is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project engineering or project management, with a focus on industrial plant construction or expansion projects.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multi-disciplinary projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent technical knowledge in mechanical systems, equipment, and plant infrastructure.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and control project costs effectively.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, managing on-site activities while coordinating remotely as needed.
• Willingness to travel as required and spend significant time on-site in Vereeniging .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance bonuses, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement. Employees will be involved in high-impact projects contributing to the company's strategic growth in Vereeniging . We provide a collaborative and dynamic work environment that values innovation and professional development. The company is committed to employee safety and well-being, offering robust support systems and continuous learning opportunities. This hybrid role balances project oversight with on-site management.