Senior Project Manager - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement contributions

Remote-first organization

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee planning, execution, and delivery of complex industrial automation projects. You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage client relationships and ensure projects meet scope, time, budget, and safety standards.

The role supports remote work with occasional travel to client sites and industrial hubs in KwaZulu-Natal. A strong technical background in automation and proven PM leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years' PM experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, or process industries.
• Proven track record delivering complex automation projects on time and within budget.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage distributed teams and work effectively in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution and completion of automation projects, aligned with client requirements and company objectives.
• Develop project plans with scope, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Manage project teams including engineers, technicians, and vendors.
• Oversee technical aspects ensuring quality, safety and standards compliance.
• Maintain client relationships with regular updates and satisfaction focus.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues with proactive solutions.
• Manage project finances and ensure budgets are adhered to.
• Coordinate with supply chain and procurement for timely delivery.
• Conduct post-project reviews for process improvements.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Manager to join their expanding team. This role is critical in overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of complex automation projects for key industrial clients. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the project lifecycle, from initial client engagement and scope definition to final implementation and commissioning. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in automation systems and a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of industrial technology within a dynamic and innovative company, with the flexibility of remote work, allowing you to be based anywhere while collaborating with teams and clients. The role requires interfacing with operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and other key industrial hubs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of industrial automation projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and company objectives.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Manage project teams, including engineers, technicians, and vendors, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Oversee the technical aspects of automation projects, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards.
• Effectively manage client relationships, providing regular updates and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, implementing proactive solutions.
• Manage project finances, tracking expenditures, and ensuring projects remain within budget.
• Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely delivery of equipment and materials.
• Conduct post-project reviews and lessons learned sessions to continuously improve project delivery processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics) or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 7 years of project management experience, specifically within industrial automation, manufacturing, or process industries.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex automation projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and other industrial control systems.
• Experience with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage distributed teams and work effectively in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and ERP systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites as required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a results-driven mindset.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. As a remote-first organization, we embrace flexible working arrangements and provide the necessary tools and support for remote employees. There are ample opportunities for career advancement within a global organization. This role provides exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies and allows you to shape the future of industry, even while working remotely. Experience the advantages of a leading automation solutions provider.