Senior Project Manager - Urban Planning & Development

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead strategic urban development initiatives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, guiding a portfolio of complex municipal projects from concept to completion.

The role requires a Master’s in Urban Planning or related field, 8+ years of public-sector project delivery, and strong stakeholder engagement. Travel within KwaZulu-Natal is expected as part of community and government collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive project management experience in urban development or municipal infrastructure.
• Proven track record managing complex public-sector projects with stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of urban development projects from concept to evaluation.
• Develop project plans with scope, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, and community liaisons.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, zoning, environmental standards, and national frameworks.
• Oversee contracts and procurement processes with consultants and contractors.
• Engage residents and stakeholders across KwaZulu-Natal.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and budgets.
• Identify and resolve project-related issues and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

GIS tools

MS Project

Urban planning

Education

Master's degree in Urban Planning

Tools

MS Project

GIS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected municipal planning and development authority, is seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager to lead strategic urban development initiatives within Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in shaping the future growth and sustainability of the city, overseeing a portfolio of complex projects ranging from infrastructure upgrades to urban renewal schemes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban planning principles, extensive experience in managing large-scale development projects, and exceptional stakeholder engagement capabilities. This position requires a dedicated professional committed to public service and urban betterment in the Pietermaritzburg area.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of urban planning and development projects, from concept and feasibility to design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, planners, architects, and community liaisons.
• Ensure all projects comply with municipal bylaws, zoning regulations, environmental standards, and national development frameworks.
• Oversee contract administration and procurement processes, managing relationships with consultants and contractors.
• Facilitate effective communication and consultation with residents, community groups, businesses, and government stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Monitor project progress against key performance indicators and manage budget adherence.
• Identify and resolve project-related issues and risks, ensuring minimal disruption and successful outcomes.
• Contribute to the strategic development of urban planning policies and long-term city development goals.
• Ensure project outputs contribute to social, economic, and environmental sustainability objectives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in project management, specifically within urban development, planning, or municipal infrastructure.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex development projects with significant public impact.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning theories, sustainable development principles, and land use management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project) and GIS tools.
• In-depth understanding of South African planning legislation, municipal finance, and public procurement processes.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and build consensus.
• Experience in environmental impact assessments and community engagement.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be prepared for site visits within Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive public sector salary scale, along with excellent benefits including a comprehensive medical aid scheme, a generous pension fund, and study leave for professional development.
• Employees benefit from opportunities to work on high-profile projects that shape the urban landscape of Pietermaritzburg.
• We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and work-life balance.
• Additional benefits include potential for flexible working arrangements and participation in key city planning initiatives.