Technical Specialist (Projects) at South African National Blood Service (SANBS)

Introduction

• To manage the planning and execution of construction projects across all SANBS sites. This role is required to fulfil the following objectives: 
• Provide effective and efficient planning and management of construction projects across SANBS.
• Ensure compliance to safety and environmental statutory provisions during construction.
• Implement best practise quality management approach to all construction projects across SANBS. 
• Responsible for prudent condition assessments of all SANBS buildings at periodic intervals to ascertain compliance to safety, business sustainability objectives and corporate identity uniformity.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAS)

KPA 1: Construction Project Management 
KPI

• Undertake planning of construction projects.
• Identify and develop a project brief.
• Lead and manage the project team.
• Ensure that project risks are identified and managed.
• Advise on selection or appointment of the project team.
• Managing the integration and flow of project information.
• Manage the project planning processes including review and management of project schedules; project development documents and project status. 
• Ensure efficient and effective monitoring and control of projects to successfully deliver on approved objectives.
• Assure that specification requirements are met during execution of projects.
• Ensure that project implementation performance is formally reviewed and lessons learnt are recorded to support value for money and continuous improvement efforts.
• Advise in tender evaluation and contractor selection in accordance with SANBS procurement processes.
• Controlling, monitoring and reporting on project progress.
• Project close-out and handover to user area.

KPA 2: Scheduling and Programming
KPI

• Develop project schedules or programmes to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of construction projects utilising scheduling and programming software.
• Review contractor’s programme and advise accordingly.
• Advise on scheduling optimisation techniques to accelerate the delivery of construction projects.
• Manage, monitor and control project schedules to ensure effective and efficient timely delivery of construction projects.
• Prepare and present schedule status reports to management, project teams, end-users and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure effective schedule risk management by identifying schedule risks and developing mitigation strategies

KPA 3: Manage customer and stakeholder relations
KPI

• Engage users in order to develop a plan to address various stakeholders’ requirements and include as input into the project brief.
• Engage key project support departments including Finance, Legal and Procurement to ensure the most effective project procurement and contracting approach is agreed. 
• Establish partnerships with utility companies, Municipal inspectors, insurance companies, regarding functional activities and to enable open communication in management of submissions and approvals.
• Participate in insurance inspections and claims management processes related to construction assets and activities.  

KPA 4: Compliance with Construction safety, environment and other relevant regulatory requirements 
KPI

• Ensure that construction projects comply with all applicable legislation and meet the required accreditation standards.
• Ensure that facilities design incorporate affordable environmental sustainability principles.
• Review SANBS sustainability strategy and develop an affordable SANBS Green Building 
• Assure that regulatory-required submissions are completed and approvals are obtained in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Where a Professional Team is appointed, liaise with the team and ensure project complies with relevant regulations.
• Ensure where required, staff permits, licenses, and certificates are maintained, recorded, and remain current.
• Ensure appointed contractors implement effective safe working procedures to safeguard people and assets when executing construction projects.

KPA 5: Effective Quality Management 
KPI

• Provide input into the development and maintenance of construction quality management systems including plans, processes, procedures and standards aligned with best practise construction industry standards 
• Ensure compliance with quality standards by confirming all material and deliverables adhere to the agreed quality standards 
• Oversee project quality inspections and testing to verify compliance with established standards
• Ensure proper documentation management of all quality related activities including inspection reports, test results and corrective action records 
• Manage quality non-conformances by investigating and resolving any quality issues or deviations from standards and implementing corrective and preventative measures 
• Provide training and support to all construction personnel on quality related procedures and practises. 
• Manage continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing measures to enhance overall quality performance.

KPA 6: Effective Contract and Cost Management
KPI

• Liaise with Legal and Procurement and advise on project contractual matters.
• Advise the Infrastructure Development Manager on suitable construction contracts.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to have a set of agreed contracts prepared for the appointed to review and obtain sign-off
• Administer construction and consultants’ contracts.
• Interpret the contract documents for both clarifications and to assist in dispute resolution.
• Issue contract instructions to the contractor 
• Prepare, maintain and develop a project cost plan and cash flow forecast.
• Prepare Cost Estimates of projects.
• Advise on cost variances to allowance in the cost plan
• Prepare interim valuations.
• Approve the cost of contractor invoices.
• Arrange release of retention funds and construction guarantees.
• Prepare the final account.

Cognitive

• Attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking.
• Judgement and decision making
• Problem solving
• Big picture thinking 
• Technically creative and open-minded.

Personal

• Assertiveness
• Resilience and stress management
• Drive and belief in the cause
• Ethical behaviour
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Comfortable with ambiguity and time spent outside of comfort zone acquiring new skills

Interpersonal

• Customer service orientation
• Teamwork
• Communication

Prof. technical

• Technical skills:
• Quality Management,
• Schedule Management,
• Best practice Project Management skills.

Leadership

• Motivating people
• Practical execution management (planning, organising and monitoring)
• Collaborative management style to include teamwork and team building ability.

Minimum requirements

Education

• Degree in Construction Management or similar.
• Registration as a Candidate Construction Project Manager with SACPMP is desirable
• Proficiency in project management systems
• Proficiency in project scheduling and programming software such as MS Project or similar and Microsoft office suite

Experience and knowledge requirements

• 3 years’ experience in construction project management in the construction industry. 
• Sound knowledge of construction industry practices, regulations and standards.
• Proficiency in construction scheduling and programming techniques.
• Knowledge of construction contracts and legal aspects of construction projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively. 

Other (knowledge and skills), 

• Project Management knowledge and skill; 
• Statutory compliance including but not limited to OHS Act; Building Regulation; Environmental Management Act.

Apply by: 2 December 2025