Strategic Projects Program Manager

Ontec; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm in South Africa seeks a Senior Project Manager to drive large-scale water and electricity projects. This role demands ownership of the project lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery while aligning with strategic goals. Successful candidates will have over 10 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, and proven leadership skills. Candidates are required to submit a detailed CV with a motivation profile and hold a valid driver's license. Competitive remuneration offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior capacity.
• Proven track record managing high-value infrastructure projects in water and/or electricity engineering.
• Experience in the South African public sector advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables.
• Monitor project performance against KPIs and take corrective action.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management tools

Communication skills

Financial literacy

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional qualifications in Business Administration

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

The Strategic Projects will serve as the driving force behind the company’s large-scale, long-term projects. This individual will own the full project lifecycle — from strategic scoping and stakeholder alignment through to delivery and performance review — ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on the company’s revenue growth and strategic positioning in the water and electricity sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple large-scale, high-revenue water and electricity infrastructure projects from inception to completion
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success metrics in alignment with organisational strategy
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk registers, and resource plans
• Monitor project performance against KPIs and take corrective action as required
• Identify and develop opportunities for new strategic projects aligned to the company’s growth objectives
• Support business development efforts including tendering, proposal writing, and client presentations
• Contribute to long-range planning and the prioritisation of the project pipeline
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government bodies, utility providers, and subcontractors
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key project stakeholders
• Manage expectations, resolve disputes, and ensure high levels of client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, procurement, and operations
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant South African legislation, industry standards, and environmental regulations
• Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports, financial forecasts, and risk assessments to senior leadership
• Maintain accurate project documentation in line with quality management systems

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or related discipline)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Additional qualifications in Business Administration, Construction Management, or Project Management advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in senior/lead capacity
• Proven track record managing high-value infrastructure projects in the water and/or electricity engineering sector
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-year, multi-stakeholder projects
• Experience in the South African public sector and municipal client environment highly advantageous

Competence & Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with confidence and diplomacy
• High level of financial literacy — budget management, forecasting, and cost control
• Strong problem-solving ability and resilience under pressure
• Commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability

What we require from candidates applying

• Detailed CV and include a motivation profile highlighting your skills, highest achievement and a short message telling us why we should consider you for this job.
• Driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Supporting documents and certified proof of qualifications.