Project / Engineering Department Manager 1

Fives Services Mzansi and Fives Services Southern Africa (hereafter referred to as Fives Services) are involved in various projects at the client sites (Hillside and Mozal), and possible other sites going forward.

The Project & Engineering Manager is responsible for establishing and running the Projects and Engineering departments with the objective of ensuring all projects (including his/her own projects) are delivered safely, within the agreed scope, time, cost and quality.

This role is responsible for overseeing the entire portfolio of projects and engineering initiatives, offering expert guidance, support, and oversight. It involves tracking progress, reporting on departmental performance, and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated. The role also ensures that teams are equipped with the right tools, processes, and training to successfully deliver on project objectives.

This position is based full-time in Richards Bay, with regular travel required to Mozambique.

Primary Purpose:

Manage the day-to-day activities of the Project and Engineering departments. Manage to ensure that projects are delivered; without injuries or breach of HSE rules and regulations, on-time, as per scope/specification, to high quality standards, within budget. Manage the Project and Engineering teams and provide performance feedback and goal-setting; conducts annual performance reviews and skills development and training. Further requirements include technical assistance/audits and marketing of Fives products and services to the client.

Projects

 In line with the contract and SOW handover from the Sales Department, responsible in defining the technical and financial project scope and objectives towards all relevant stakeholders; sub-contractors and clients.

 Plan, chair and record monthly Project Review Meetings with relevant stakeholders.

 Manage the safety aspect of all projects and report weekly project safety KPI’s. This includes, but is not limited to OHS Act, Section 16.2, Section 8.2 legal appointments, Fives Golden Rules as well as client HSE requirements at Hillside and Mozal.

 Liaise closely with Finance Manager to ensure accurate and robust budget monitoring against project plans.

 Responsible to maintain monthly overview of all projects budget, monitor variations, and ensure timely cost control on projects, cashflows and invoicing on projects.

 Provide monthly cashflows forecast including all projects (cash collections and disbursements).  Ensure monthly timesheets for all are submitted by required due date.

 Responsible for compiling and submitting required documents timely to allow Fives Services and our sub-contractors timely site access.

 Assist the Technical Sales department with project related commercial offers.

 Responsible for technical risk analysis

 Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope, specification, quotation and budget.

 Define and coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects.

 Manage project resource availability and allocation.

 Provide resources plan on a monthly and yearly basis to optimize allocation of resources.

 Contribute towards contractor vendor selection and approval.

 Develop a detailed project schedule to monitor and track progress of all projects.

 Measure and report on project performance using appropriate tools and techniques.

 Perform internal risk management to minimize project risks.

 Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.

 Ensure post project reviews are in place within 10 days of projects’ completion and include lessons learnt exercises which identify both positive and negative outcomes to be actioned.

Engineering

 Overall management of the Engineering department – ensuring that we are working on the correct priorities for the company. Manager to involve himself/herself as required to meet deadlines.

 Final approval of drawings

 Review and approval of Engineering and/or ISO standards, processes and procedures

 Review and approval of scope of work’s

 Review and approval of quality control plans

 Participate in NCR investigations and meetings when required

 Ensure monthly timesheets for all are submitted by required due date.

General

 Ensure that Fives Directives and Guidelines are adhered to

 Comply with legal, client and company specific requirements

 Comply with safety protocols in all work performed and report any near misses or incidents

 Define, implement and monitor KPIs for Projects and Engineering Departments.

Education & Qualification

 A Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering is a minimum requirement 

 Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng) preferred

 Project Management Professional (PMP) certification 

Experience

 5–10+ years of experience in engineering and project management roles with proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and various projects simultaneuously

 Preference will be given to candidates with experience in aluminium smelters or similar environments 

 Strong knowledge of project lifecycle, budgeting, risk management and compliance

Applications will be accepted from South African Citizens only

Should you meet the requirements above and consider yourself a confident communicator, an inspiring leader, a collaborative team player, and someone who thrives on solving problems and adapting to change — then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!