Technical Manager (Mechanical/Industrial Engineering) (Laboratory environment)

Isilumko Staffing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a Biosafety and Biosecurity Manager in Johannesburg, South Africa. The role requires oversight of biosafety across high-containment facilities and managing a biocontainment engineering team. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and possess at least 7 years' experience in biosafety roles, including 5 years managing BSL3/BSL4 facilities. Strong skills in financial planning, communication, and proficiency in relevant software are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ post-qualification experience in biosafety technical and managerial roles.
• At least 5 years’ experience managing BSL3/BSL4 facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of biosafety in high-containment facilities.
• Lead biocontainment engineering team in facility design and maintenance.
• Manage Division of Biosafety and Biosecurity.
• Participate in biosafety committees and contribute to manuals.

Skills

Facility commissioning and (re)certification

Operational safety

Financial planning

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (NQF Level 7)

Training and certification in biosafety and biosecurity

Tools

CMMS software (e.g., Maintenance Pro 4.0)

CAD tools (TurboCAD, AutoCAD)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of biosafety and biosecurity across high-containment facilities.
• Lead the biocontainment engineering team in design, budgeting, construction, upgrading, and maintenance of BSL3/BSL4 facilities.
• Develop and implement containment principles, facility design, practices, and procedures to prevent occupational infections and environmental release.
• Manage the Division of Biosafety and Biosecurity as a recognised centre of expertise, ensuring sustainable engineering solutions.
• Formulate and manage capital expenditure budgets for infrastructure and biocontainment system upgrades, including mobile laboratory infrastructure for outbreak response.
• Oversee operational budgets to ensure effective functioning, certification, and development of containment facilities.
• Participate in biosafety committees, contribute to institutional biosafety manuals, training programmes, and emergency response plans.
• Conduct periodic reviews of facility design, modifications, and work practices to align with evolving biosafety standards.
• Develop and implement commissioning plans, inspection programmes, and annual shutdown/certification procedures.
• Act as an independent advisor on BioRisk Management with authority to halt unsafe work.
• Champion the Engineering Maintenance Policy and lead its implementation strategy.
• Provide engineering support for mobile biocontainment laboratories during outbreak response locally, regionally, and globally.
• Deliver training initiatives in biosafety and biosecurity.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and practices to ensure continuous professional growth.

Minimum Requirements & Key Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (NQF Level 7).
• Recognised training and certification in biosafety and biosecurity (local and international).
• Minimum 7 years’ post-qualification experience in biosafety technical and managerial roles within high biocontainment laboratories.
• At least 5 years’ experience managing technical operations of BSL3/BSL4 facilities.

Proven Expertise In

• Facility commissioning and (re)certification.
• Operational safety, repair, and maintenance of plant/equipment.
• Certification/validation of containment systems.
• Preventative and corrective maintenance schedules.
• Contractor management and compliance with international biosafety guidelines.
• Asset register management and reporting to senior leadership.
• Effluent and solid waste sterilisation systems, HVAC control, and Building Management Systems.
• Strong skills in financial planning, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Proficiency in CMMS software (e.g., Maintenance Pro 4.0), CAD tools (TurboCAD, AutoCAD), and Microsoft Office Suite.

Excellent communication, analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to diverse environments. Demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, decision-making, and initiating action. Willingness to travel nationally and internationally, and participate in relevant courses/workshops.