Deputy Director: Infrastructure Maintenance at University of the Witwatersrand

Purpose:

• To coordinate, manage and oversee the Infrastructure Maintenance Unit and develop and implement the maintenance strategy consisting of Planned Maintenance, Corrective Maintenance and Emergency Maintenance, Policies and standard operation procedures for all the assets ensuring compliance with respective regulations and bylaws within the University of The Witwatersrand.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Accountable for compilation and management of the Annual Operational and Capital Budget requirements for infrastructure maintenance Unit.
• Consultation with relevant Stakeholders to develop a budget for the infrastructure maintenance projects.
• Maintain Cost Effective Financial Management and Departmental Compliance as per the University’s Policies and Procedures
• Establishment of Contingency Plans to reduce Financial Risk and business continuity.
• Identify key Stakeholders (Internal & External) and strengthen stakeholder engagement across faculties, schools, departments and Contractors etc
• Establish regular monthly or quarterly meetings and updates with faculties, schools and departments representatives to improve service delivery and clients’ requirements.
• Update all relevant stakeholders on policy and procedural guidelines to be followed in the execution of operational deliverance to ensure adherence to guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Formulate and implement best practice policies and standards operating procedures.
• Establish Inter-Departmental Engagement Processes and related SLA’s.
• Establish Planned and Reactive Maintenance Processes to minimize downtime and increase asset utilization effectiveness.
• Ensure that Management Information System is in place to support Operational Requirements.
• Ensure Business Continuity and Contingency Plans are developed and implemented.

Contract Management.

• Identify and report on new service requirements within the various areas of responsibility.
• Procurement of services related to areas of responsibility as per the University’s Procurement Process.
• Participate in the full tender process as a member of the tender committee.
• In collaboration with the Procurement Division, initiate and conclude various contracts negotiations and evaluations.
• Ensure effective management of Service Providers as per SLA’s
• Consult with the relevant OHS officer and/or GMR office on a regular basis regarding all compliance aspects and ensure that any necessary remedial work is carried out promptly
• Implement digitized management system and reporting framework to the Director.
• Management of delegated staff as per the University’s HR Policies and Processes.
• Set out Performance Outputs and Measurements for each direct report as per the university API process.
• Effective management of poor or non-performance of staff.
• Effective management of Disciplinary Issues as the University’s Disciplinary Code/Code of Conduct, with the help of HR/ER Office.
• Ensures continuous Training and Development of team members and self.
• Enforce compliance with statutory requirements (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Advise and recommend operations as and when needed. 
• Perform duties as per the delegated mandate.

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Degree in Engineering - Electrical or Mechanical
• Professional registration with ECSA
• Relevant Post Graduate qualifications will be an added advantage
• 10 years’ experience in infrastructure Maintenance within a built environment at a Senior Management Level

Technical Competencies

• Exposure in multifunctional Operational Facilities Management environment
• Contract Management
• Project Management
• Experience in Infrastructure Risk Management
• A Government Certificate of Competence (GCC Factories Certification) 
• Property Management Strategies
• Experience in the implementation of integrated management Systems 
• Experience in applying engineering principles in the design, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure within the facilities management sector.
• Experience in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems such as Archibus, Maximo, SAP PM, Pragma, etc.
• Experience in asset management and condition assessment
• Good understanding of the national green and building standards, including SANS10400.

Competencies (Knowledge, skills, and behavior)

• Courage and Decisiveness
• Leading Transformation
• Strategic Agility
• Business Acumen
• Customer Focus
• Relationship management 
• Results Orientation
• Computer skills (Microsoft office)
• Compliance/Statutory

Requirements (Knowledge, Understanding and or training)

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• National Building Regulations
• SANS
• Municipal By-Laws
• Any other relevant Legislation

Closing Date: 21 July 2026