Senior Project Manager: Aerospace Systems at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Project Manager in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area, within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be expected to work at tactical and operational levels of management to deliver on the impact area’s mandate and strategy and apply project management expertise together with appropriate technical/domain/sector/industry specific technical acumen to achieve project goals by managing the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s). This is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Initiate and manage projects by contributing to project proposals mainly from a financial perspective in terms of budget development and resource planning, ensure compliance to government requirements such as PFMA, ensure all project initiation documentation is in place and of appropriate quality;
• Plan projects through coordination of resources required for project execution, assist with the development of project plans, also resource planning and implementation;
• Execute, control and review project progress and expenditure;
• Provide monthly financial reporting to project leaders and HR reports as necessary;
• Assist with management and risk mitigation on projects, facilitate financial reports, liaising with stakeholders as necessary, balance constraints across and between projects;
• Manage team and stakeholders (facilitate and negotiate), including communication (e.g. regular internal and external team meetings and progress reporting);
• Close out projects in accordance with organisational processes and responsible for administrative closure of a project in terms of a project review, lessons learnt, financial closure of the project, project records and documents;
• Plays a major role in financial month and year end in preparing projects for funds declarations;
• Provide assistance on projects with any other issues they may face relating to health and safety issues, assets, procurement and marketing / engagement;
• Work across geographical boundaries with multiple stakeholders.
• Contribute to the Impact Area’s strategy development, and implement appropriate components of operations strategy
• Support the Business Development and Commercialisation Manager with national and international business development opportunities.
• Provide input into strategic leadership within Impact area level.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master’s degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering with at least eight years’ experience as a Project Manager, of which six years should be in Research Development Innovation (RDI) domain within the Defence and Security environment;

Must have:

• Experience in mechanical or aeronautical engineering design;
• Experience in all key component of Project Management such as resource planning, budgeting, reporting, and project artefacts;
• Proven experience in Systems Engineering Management;
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines;
• A valid driver’s license and existing or eligible for Department of Defence (DOD) security clearance;
• A formal qualification or certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) will be advantageous;
• Track record in managing complex aerospace research and development project (s);
• Knowledge of the experimental aerodynamics, unmanned aerial vehicle, and missile system development lifecycle;
• Proven experience in leading teams with agile delivery;
• Strong knowledge of Agile and Lean methodologies;
• Adaptability to change, ability to multi-task and to consistently perform under pressure;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others across research groups;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking and decision-making, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, diverse and dynamic team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, collaborating, multi-disciplinary knowledge; configuration management.

SA Citizenship is necessary, as a Security Clearance is required for this position.

Deadline: 31/07/2025