Director: Infrastructure Projects (P05) at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The Director: Infrastructure Project Management Office leads and manages the Infrastructure Project Management Office at Sol Plaatje University. The role ensures that the University’s academic vision, mission and activities are supported by relevant, sustainable and appropriate physical infrastructure.
• The Director is responsible for implementing the successful delivery of the 2026–2030 Infrastructure Development Plan and for overseeing people management, budget and financial management, health and safety, compliance, and reporting across the Office.
• For infrastructure projects, the Director acts as the University's designated client delivery manager, holding authority in terms of the University Delegation of Authority Document (DOAD) to make certain design, cost and time decisions on the University's behalf, and assembling and leading a dedicated project delivery team for each project.

Minimum Requirements

• A Honours (NQF8) qualification in Built Environment or a related discipline (Architecture, Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project Management, Town and Regional Planning).
• Professional registration with one of the Built Environment Councils: SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession), ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa), SACQSP (South African Council for Quantity Surveying Profession), or SACPCMP (South African council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or an equivalent qualification will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience in the built environment (design or construction) at senior management level.
• Proven experience in management of large-scale infrastructure projects
• Proven experience in infrastructure development management and property management and leading a unit of reasonable size
• Proven experience leading project teams and mobilising others towards shared goals.
• Understanding of the operations and affairs of a university environment
• Ability to think strategically and translate strategy into operational plans and projects.
• Ability to plan and manage budgets
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite

Recommended Requirements

• A relevant Master’s degree (NQF9) in the related field/s

Duties

Strategy Development and Execution

• Support the Chief Operating Officer in the development, review and approval of the University’s Spatial Development Framework.
• Align the Directorate’s plans with the overall University strategy and ensure that operations contribute to its realisation.
• Oversee the procurement of consultants and contractors required to refine and implement the Spatial Development Framework.
• Engage stakeholders and submit relevant planning documents to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and any other statutory bodies for approval.
• Embed an institutional performance culture aligned with the University’s vision, mission and strategic priorities, including effective staff induction.

Oversight and Compliance: Project and Programme Management

• Oversee the management all infrastructure projects and programmes from conception to completion, in compliance with Infrastructure Delivery Management requirements and DHET norms and standards, statutory and Professional Body standards.
• Ensure compliance with common specifications, approval of variations, and timely monthly infrastructure finance reporting.
• Ensure the achievement of the objectives set out in the annual Infrastructure Development Plan.
• Oversee the delivery of active capital projects under the 2026–2030 Infrastructure Development Plan.
• Direct that the management of package, task and batch orders are issued timeously and that compensation events are documented efficiently.
• Oversee and ensure the timeous submission of quarterly progress reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training on projects funded through the Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant and support related DHET site visits and progress meetings.

Oversight and Compliance: Construction and Procurement

• Oversee that the Construction Development targets are met, including local expenditure, B-BBEE, local employment and skills development targets.
• Oversee that the monthly construction health and safety reports and infrastructure progress reports are submitted as required.
• Uphold the University’s infrastructure procurement strategy and ensure compliance with the procurement of contractors and suppliers.
• Oversee the handover to the Maintenance Department including as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, commissioning documentation and training.
• Oversee that the project database remains up-to-date and in compliance with infrastructure delivery management requirements.

Policy, Quality Assurance, Audit and Risk Management

• Review and develop policies and procedures relevant to infrastructure project management, ensuring alignment with legislation and University strategy.
• Implement and ensure compliance to quality assurance standards and provide required documentation to internal and external auditors.
• Oversee the maintenance of a risk register for the Office and implement proactive mitigation and reporting plans.

Health and Safety and Employee Wellbeing

• Ensure compliance with the National Occupational Health and Safety Act, construction health and safety requirements, and University safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.
• Participate in University safety structures and support inspections, emergency drills, corrective actions and related wellbeing initiatives.

People, Budget and Performance Management

• Develop and maintain an appropriate organisational structure for the Office, including workforce planning aligned with transformation targets.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, probation and performance management for all staff in the Office.
• Drive staff development, sound employment relations, leave management and human resources administration.
• Develop and manage the Section’s annual staffing, operating and capital budgets, and maintain the asset register.
• Drive effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems, including reports to Executive Management, Council and relevant committees (JBCC, NEC GCC, etc).