Technical Manager

Isilumko Staffing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Isilumko Staffing in Gauteng seeks a qualified Manager Technical to oversee high containment laboratory facilities and infrastructure. You will lead engineering teams, ensure biosafety and biosafety compliance, and manage capital projects and budgets.

The role requires a Mechanical or Industrial Engineering degree, 7+ years post-qualification experience, and 5+ years of leadership. Travel may be required; a strategic, compliant approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (NQF level 7).
• Relevant biosafety/biosecurity training would be advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years post-qualification experience in technical/biosafety environments.
• At least 5 years in management or supervisory roles overseeing technical teams.
• Proven track record managing complex facilities, projects, and contractor performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation, maintenance, certification and continuous improvement of laboratory facilities.
• Provide technical leadership on infrastructure design, upgrading and capital projects.
• Manage engineering and biocontainment maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Develop and implement maintenance, inspection, certification and shutdown programmes.
• Oversee departmental operational and capital expenditure budgets.
• Ensure biosafety, biosecurity, OH&S and engineering standards compliance.
• Develop policies, procedures, emergency response plans and guidelines.
• Advise senior management on engineering and biosafety issues.
• Manage mobile laboratory infrastructure and field deployment support when required.
• Drive continuous improvement through new technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Project management

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Job description

Role: Technical Manager

Location: Gauteng
Employment Type: Permanent

About the Role

A leading scientific and research-focused organisation is seeking an experienced Manager Technical to oversee the operation, maintenance, upgrading, certification, and development of high and maximum containment laboratory facilities and infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with local and international biosafety and biosecurity standards while leading engineering and technical teams that support critical laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operation, maintenance, certification, and continuous improvement of specialised laboratory facilities.
• Provide technical leadership on infrastructure design, upgrading, construction, and capital projects.
• Manage engineering and biocontainment maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Develop and implement maintenance, inspection, certification, and shutdown programmes.
• Oversee departmental operational and capital expenditure budgets.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, occupational health, and engineering standards.
• Participate in the development of policies, procedures, emergency response plans, and operational guidelines.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior management on engineering, biosafety, and facility-related matters.
• Manage mobile laboratory infrastructure and support field deployment initiatives when required.
• Drive continuous improvement through the adoption of emerging technologies and best practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (NQF Level 7).
• Relevant training and certifications in biosafety, biosecurity, or related disciplines would be advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years' post-qualification experience in technical, engineering, or biosafety-related environments.
• At least 5 years' management or supervisory experience overseeing technical operations and maintenance teams.
• Proven experience managing complex facilities, infrastructure projects, maintenance programmes, and contractor performance.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning capability.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and people management
• Strategic planning and execution
• Project and budget management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Planning, organising, and decision-making skills
• Strong technical reporting and documentation capability
• Proficiency in CMMS systems, Microsoft Office, and engineering software packages
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required.