Facility Manager: Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL) Facility at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Facility Manager: DBEL Facility in the Landward Sciences Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to manage the Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives laboratory (DBEL) facility, explosives test facility personnel and explosives test projects. Perform all line management functions and technical leadership on a variety of projects and themes in the field of detonics, ballistics and explosives. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and manage business and operational plans for the DBEL facility;
• Support, develop and drive DBEL marketing initiatives to broaden the customer base;
• Oversee and manage infrastructure and equipment growth to ensure that the facility is functional and compliant to execute work effectively and efficiently;
• Prepare monthly facility operational report and drive mitigation plans as required by CSIR and Impact Area Manager;
• Conduct performance management and personal development for direct reports;
• Engage with CSIR structures to influence and implement action plans on the shared services inclusive of security, facilities and environmental maintenance, medical services;
• Manage the facility’s environment fauna and flora in accordance with Gauteng and National Standards and regulations;
• Ensure compliance and safe explosives management of the DBEL Facility pursuant to Regulation 12(1) of the Explosive Regulations issued in the terms of the occupational health and safety Act, Act NO.85 of 93;
• Ensure a safe and legally compliant DBEL explosives and test facility work environment in line with CSIR ISO 9001, ISO 14000, ISO 45001, ISO 17015 and other standards as applicable, including compliance by outsourced contractors/service providers;
• Engage with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), South African Police Services (SAPS), and any other relevant statutory or legal body that impacts the operations and security of DBEL;
• Engage with local and international explosives processing, testing, storage, and destruction governing, regulatory, training organization’s to ensure international best practice on all levels of DBEL operations;
• Engage with local and international stakeholders for the purpose of providing fit for purpose facilities, infrastructure and associated services

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in scientific or engineering or explosives management equivalent with at least five years’ experience in facilities management, firing or explosives testing and/or business support services, including the management of a team;
• Certification in explosives management and/or project management is desired;
• A post graduate diploma in business management, with previous management experience in an explosives facility with an appointment as an Explosives Manager will be an advantage;

Experience in the following: 

• Military ammunition training environment and demolition of redundant explosives and unexploded ordnance;
• Explosives regulations especially interaction with DEL and SAPS explosives units;
• Vehicle fleet management; 

A strong track record in the following:

• Strategic & operational planning with related budgeting;
• People management, including performance management;
• Project management;
• Financial management;
• Understanding industry standards and regulations;
• Customer service orientation;

• Knowledge of South African National Defence Force (SANDF), SAPS and DEL processes, approaches and philosophies;
• Knowledge of ISO standards, initiatives, and accreditation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation.

South African citizenship is necessary, as a security clearance is required for the position.

Closing date: 14 January 2024