Technical Projects Manager

Chainlink Recruitment; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A company in the tissue manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead and execute engineering projects. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of project management experience, preferably in a tissue paper environment, and will be proficient in project planning and budget management. Responsibilities include overseeing project execution, managing teams, and ensuring quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of project management experience, preferably in Tissue Paper environment.
• Proven track record of managing capital projects and contractors.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and execute engineering projects across all phases.
• Develop project plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Oversee installation activities and ensure safe practices.

Skills

Project management methodologies

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Qualification in Project Management

Tools

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

This role will be reporting to the Engineering and Maintenance Manager, and the incumbent will lead,
plan and execute engineering projects within a Tissue Paper Environment, including capital projects,
plant upgrades, new equipment installations, infrastructure and process improvements. This role
requires close collaboration with engineering, production, maintenance, procurement, external
contractors and OEMs to ensure successful project delivery on time, within budget and in line with
safety, quality, and operational standards. The incumbent will work across all phases of the project
lifecycle - feasibility, planning, initiating, execution and close-out, as well as coordinating, managing
and controlling efforts across engineering, operations, quality and supply chain functions.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Project Planning and Execution:
  • Develop project plans, including technical requirements, scopes, goals, deliverables,
    timelines, resources and budgets in collaboration with project stakeholders.
  • Lead project teams to execute plans effectively, ensuring milestones are met on time and
    within budget.
  • Oversee on-site installation activities, ensuring safe work practices and minimal impact to
    plant operations.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, identifying risks and taking corrective actions as
    needed.
  • Facilitate technical discussions, ensuring solutions are aligned with engineering standards
    and business requirements.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with project stakeholders, including team members and
    third-party vendors.
  • Communicate project updates, risks and issues to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Resource Management:
  • Coordinate with department managers to assign appropriate team members to project tasks.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, civil and process engineers to define and validate
    project requirements
  • Manage resource conflicts and resolve any issues that may arise during project execution.
• Risk Management:
  • Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.
  • Proactively manage risks throughout the project lifecycle, monitoring for new risks and adjusting plans as necessary.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure that project deliverables meet quality standards and customer expectations.
  • Ensure project documentation and change control processes are maintained throughout the
    project lifecycle.
• Budget Management:
  • Develop and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring that projects are
    delivered within budget.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Team Leadership:
  • Provide leadership and guidance to project team members, fostering a positive and
    collaborative work environment.
  • Motivate team members to achieve project goals and overcome challenges.
  • Chair regular project review and status meetings (e.g., biweekly review sessions).
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to optimize
    project management processes.
  • Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and apply them to future projects.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, with an additional qualification in Project Management.
• 15+ years of project management experience, preferably in a Tissue Paper environment.
• Proficient in project planning tools (MS Project, or similar)
• Proven track record of managing capital projects and contractors (feasibility studies, tender process, benchmarking cost control, execution, and contractor management)
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, processes and safety protocols
• Proven track record of managing multiple high-value projects simultaneously
• A valid driver’s license & Own Transport

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of project management methodologies
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Well-developed verbal, written and oral presentation communication skills upwards and downwards.
• MS Office skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational and team building skills.
• Financial and business acumen.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset: Trust, Respect, Collaborative, Self-organisation, Adapt, Courage, Focus, Servant Leadership.