Senior Project Manager: Aerospace Systems

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African research organization seeks a Senior Project Manager: Aerospace Systems based in Pretoria. The role involves managing projects in the aerospace field, requiring 8+ years in project management with a focus on mechanical or aeronautical engineering. Key offerings include flexible hybrid work arrangements and competitive remuneration packages.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Project Management experience, with 6 years in RDI within Defence and Security.
• Proven experience in leading aerospace research projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage projects including financial perspectives.
• Plan and execute project coordination.
• Close out projects responsibly.

Skills

Mechanical or aeronautical engineering design

Resource planning

Budgeting

Agile methodologies

Education

Masters degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering

Tools

PRINCE2 or PMP certification

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Project Manager: Aerospace Systems in the

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Senior Project Manager: Aerospace Systems

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Project Manager in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area, within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be expected to work at tactical and operational levels of management to deliver on the impact areas mandate and strategy and apply project management expertise together with appropriate technical/domain/sector/industry specific technical acumen to achieve project goals by managing the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s). This is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/aeronautics-systems and https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security respectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage projects by contributing to project proposals mainly from a financial perspective in terms of budget development and resource planning, ensure compliance to government requirements such as PFMA, ensure all project initiation documentation is in place and of appropriate quality;
• Plan projects through coordination of resources required for project execution, assist with the development of project plans, also resource planning and implementation;
• Execute, control and review project progress and expenditure;
• Provide monthly financial reporting to project leaders and HR reports as necessary;
• Assist with management and risk mitigation on projects, facilitate financial reports, liaising with stakeholders as necessary, balance constraints across and between projects;
• Manage team and stakeholders (facilitate and negotiate), including communication (e.g. regular internal and external team meetings and progress reporting);
• Close out projects in accordance with organisational processes and responsible for administrative closure of a project in terms of a project review, lessons learnt, financial closure of the project, project records and documents;
• Plays a major role in financial month and year end in preparing projects for funds declarations;
• Provide assistance on projects with any other issues they may face relating to health and safety issues, assets, procurement and marketing / engagement;
• Work across geographical boundaries with multiple stakeholders.
• Contribute to the Impact Areas strategy development, and implement appropriate components of operations strategy
• Support the Business Development and Commercialisation Manager with national and international business development opportunities.
• Provide input into strategic leadership within Impact area level.
  
  

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Masters degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering with at least eight years experience as a Project Manager, of which six years should be in Research Development Innovation (RDI) domain within the Defence and Security environment;
• Must have:
• Experience in mechanical or aeronautical engineering design;
• Experience in all key component of Project Management such as resource planning, budgeting, reporting, and project artefacts;
• Proven experience in Systems Engineering Management;
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines;
• A valid drivers license and existing or eligible for Department of Defence (DOD) security clearance;
• A formal qualification or certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) will be advantageous;
• Track record in managing complex aerospace research and development project (s);
• Knowledge of the experimental aerodynamics, unmanned aerial vehicle, and missile system development lifecycle;
• Proven experience in leading teams with agile delivery;
• Strong knowledge of Agile and Lean methodologies;
• Adaptability to change, ability to multi-task and to consistently perform under pressure;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others across research groups;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking and decision-making, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, diverse and dynamic team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, collaborating, multi-disciplinary knowledge; configuration management.
  

SA Citizenship is necessary, as a Security Clearance is required for this position.

Whats in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012841 4774 or email us at [e-mail]

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicants educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.