Technical Manager

Mecad Systems; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecad Systems in Johannesburg seeks a technically strong engineering leader to own engineering integrity and delivery quality across the Gauteng operation. The role blends engineering review, site problem-solving, leadership, and decisive technical decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have 7–10+ years in HVAC/building services and a track record delivering complex commercial installations while mentoring project teams and enforcing high standards to prevent site failures.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7–10+ years experience in HVAC/building services/mechanical systems.
• Strong project delivery background.
• Experience managing technical teams or project managers.
• Strong understanding of commercial installations and site coordination.
• Ability to read and critique technical designs and system layouts.

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight: Review and validate quotations and system designs for feasibility and compliance.
• Project Delivery Leadership: Lead project teams to deliver on time, safely, and within budget.
• Technical Escalation: Act as senior escalation point for complex design, installation, and commissioning challenges.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure compliance with SANS and OHSA requirements and QA procedures.
• Team Development: Build a strong technical culture and mentor engineering and project teams.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Engineering review

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Compliance knowledge

Risk identification

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

The Opportunity

This is not a purely administrative management role. We are looking for a technically strong engineering leader capable of taking ownership of engineering integrity and project delivery quality across the Gauteng operation.

• The successful candidate will oversee:
  • technical validation of commercial proposals
  • project execution quality
  • commissioning oversight
  • technical problem-solving
  • installation compliance
  • leadership of project managers and installation teams
• The role requires someone who can move comfortably between:
  • engineering review
  • site problem-solving
  • leadership and accountability
  • technical decision-making
  • operational execution
  • This person must be capable of identifying technical risks early and enforcing high standards throughout project delivery.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• We are likely looking for someone currently working as one of the following:
  • Senior HVAC Project Engineer
  • Mechanical Building Services Engineer
  • HVAC Contracts Manager
  • MEP Project Manager
  • Technical Services Manager
  • Commissioning Manager
  • Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
• Industry backgrounds may include:
  • HVAC
  • commercial mechanical contracting
  • hydronic systems
  • central plant systems
  • hot water systems
  • renewable thermal systems
  • building services engineering
  • Heat pump experience is highly advantageous, but strong HVAC hydronic and commercial mechanical systems experience may also be suitable.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight:
  • Review and validate technical accuracy of quotations and system designs
  • Ensure engineering feasibility and compliance
  • Support sales engineers on technically complex projects
• Project Delivery Leadership:
  • Lead and mentor project managers and installation supervisors
  • Ensure projects are delivered correctly, safely, on time, and within budget
  • Drive accountability and technical discipline across projects
• Technical Escalation:
  • Act as senior escalation point for technical issues
  • Resolve complex design, installation, and commissioning challenges
  • Identify risks before they become site failures
• Quality & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with SANS and OHSA requirements
  • Enforce commissioning and quality assurance procedures
  • Improve technical standards and operational systems
• Team Development:
  • Build a strong technical culture
  • Mentor engineering and project teams
  • Improve technical competency across the division

Required Experience

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7–10+ years experience in HVAC/building services/mechanical systems
• Strong project delivery background
• Experience managing technical teams or project managers
• Strong understanding of commercial installations and site coordination
• Ability to read and critique technical designs and system layouts

Critical Success Factors

• The successful candidate will:
  • command technical respect from engineers and site teams
  • identify technical problems quickly
  • enforce high standards without creating operational paralysis
  • balance technical rigor with practical execution
  • improve accountability and delivery consistency