Senior Project Manager: Building and Capital Projects (P7) at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of major infrastructure projects within Sol Plaatje University’s Infrastructure Project Management Office.
• Reporting to the Director: Infrastructure Project Management Office, the role supports the implementation of the 2026–2030 Infrastructure Development Plan by managing large-scale and complex capital projects from conception to completion, handover and close-out. The Senior Project Manager forms part of the dedicated project delivery team assembled by the Director for each major project, with team composition subject to approval by the Chief Operating Officer.
• The incumbent will ensure that assigned projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with approved quality, compliance and governance requirements.

Mimimum Requirments

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF7) in Built Environment or relevant field (Architecture, Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or Project Management).
• Post graduate qualification (NQF8) would be an advantage
• 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). Candidates not yet registered at Professional level must hold Candidate registration with a documented path to Professional registration [Dv1.1].
• Project Management Professional certification, or an equivalent project management certification, will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ project management experience in the built environment, with demonstrated responsibility for managing major or large-scale capital projects, typically of multi-million-rand value, from inception to completion.
• A proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects on time and within budget
• Experience in public sector or institutional infrastructure projects, including compliance with relevant public financial and procurement processes, would be advantageous
• Sound understanding of construction contracts, including but not limited to JBCC, NEC and GCC, and infrastructure delivery management frameworks.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating with professional consultants.
• Proficiency in project management and scheduling software, and in the Microsoft Office suite.

Recomeded requirements 

• Strong project planning, scheduling and cost-control skills.
• Sound technical knowledge across built-environment disciplines.
• Contract administration and negotiation skills.
• Leadership and supervisory ability.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple major projects concurrently under pressure,
• Sound judgement and integrity in financial and contractual matters.

Duties

Strategy Development and Execution

• Actively support the Director in the achievement of the Office of the Chief Operational Officer strategic objectives
• Provide input for the Office of the Chief Operational Officer strategy development

Project Delivery: Buildings and Capital Projects

• Manage major infrastructure projects, including new builds, upgrades and refurbishments, from conception through design, procurement, construction and handover.
• Develop and maintain detailed project programmes, budgets and cash flow forecasts for assigned projects.
• Monitor project progress against time, cost and quality targets, and escalate risks or deviations to the Director timeously.
• Ensure compliance with Infrastructure Delivery Management requirements, DHET norms and standards, statutory and Professional Body standards, and approved common specifications.
• Manage the issuing of package, task and batch orders, and ensure that compensation events are documented and processed efficiently,
• Ensure project close-out, including as-bult drawing, operation and maintenance manuals, commissioning, training and handover to the Maintenance Department.

Contract and Procurement Management

• Manage construction contracts, including but not limited to JBCC, NEC and GCC contracts, for assigned projects, including valuations, variations and claims.
• Manage the procurement processes for contractors, consultants and suppliers in line with the University’s supply chain policy and infrastructure procurement strategy.
• Manage and report on construction development targets, including local expenditure, B-BBEE, local employment and skills development. Targets are set in accordance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000[Dv2.1].
• Manage stakeholders and team management
• Act as the primary point of contact for professional teams, contractors and consultants on assigned projects.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other built-environment professionals to support integrated project delivery.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, including faculties and support departments, to align project delivery with operational needs.
• Supervise and guide project management staff and site personnel assigned to major projects.

Reporting, quality and Risk Management

• Provide regular project progress, financial and risk reports to the Director.
• Ensure monthly construction health and safety reports are submitted in compliance with University SHE
• policies and applicable occupational health and safety legislation.
• Appoint and liaise with the registered Construction Health and Safety Agent required on qualifying projects in terms of the Construction Regulations [Dv4.1].
• Identify project risks, maintain risk registers for assigned projects and implement mitigation plans.
• Support quality assurance processes and provide documentation to internal and external auditors as required.

Health and Safety

• 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