Site Installation Leader: Drive On-Site Projects

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Relocation support

Platform to lead and scale a major div

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a General Manager - Construction & Heavy Industry to provide strategic leadership across civil works, plant operations and equipment management, with full P&L ownership and a mandate to deliver multi-country projects on time and on budget.

The ideal candidate has senior experience in construction or heavy industry, a Civil or Mechanical Engineering degree (MBA is an advantage), proven P&L success, and the ability to engage senior government and institutional

Qualifications

• Senior experience in construction, civil engineering, or heavy industry, including time served as a General Manager or executive level.
• Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (MBA is an advantage).
• Proven track record of P&L ownership and delivery of strong financial performance in complex environments.
• Experience operating across multiple African markets, with a strong understanding of local commercial and regulatory environments.
• Ability to manage integrated operations, including civil infrastructure, industrial plant, and heavy equipment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage at senior government and institutional level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across business units, including civil works, mechanical & electrical, plant operations, and equipment management
• Take full ownership of P&L, driving revenue growth, margin optimisation, and cost control
• Lead delivery of complex, multi-country projects, ensuring execution on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and HSE standards
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team
• Drive business development activities, including securing new projects, partnerships, and contracts
• Represent the organisation at senior level with governments, development finance institutions, joint venture partners, and key clients

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L ownership

Stakeholder management

Multi-country project delivery

Education

Civil or Mechanical Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

MBA (advantage)

Job description

Posted 19 August 2026
Start date 19 August 2026
Location Johannesburg
Job type Permanent
Discipline Rail Infrastructure and Construction

General Manager - Construction & Heavy Industry

We are a diversified multinational conglomerate with operations spanning construction, heavy industry, mining, energy, and infrastructure across Africa and beyond. With over 25 years of experience, operations in 8+ countries, and activities across 6 sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across business units, including civil works, mechanical & electrical, plant operations, and equipment management
• Take full ownership of P&L, driving revenue growth, margin optimisation, and cost control
• Lead delivery of complex, multi-country projects, ensuring execution on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and HSE standards
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team
• Drive business development activities, including securing new projects, partnerships, and contracts
• Represent the organisation at senior level with governments, development finance institutions, joint venture partners, and key clients

Candidate Profile

• Senior experience in construction, civil engineering, or heavy industry, including time served as a General Manager or executive level
• Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (MBA is an advantage)
• Proven track record of P&L ownership and delivery of strong financial performance in complex environments
• Experience operating across multiple African markets, with a strong understanding of local commercial and regulatory environments
• Ability to manage integrated operations, including civil infrastructure, industrial plant, and heavy equipment
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage at senior government and institutional level

What We Offer

• Competitive executive remuneration package, including performance incentives
• Direct reporting line to the Chairman, with strong strategic support
• A well-capitalised division with a strong pipeline of projects across Africa
• Opportunity to contribute to large-scale infrastructure development across the continent
• Relocation support where applicable
• Platform to lead and scale a major division within a multinational group

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.