Job Vacancies 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).

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Purpose

• The Infrastructure Projects Programme Manager provides strategic programme management, commercial oversight, governance, and executive support to the Director: Infrastructure Projects.
• The role ensures that the infrastructure portfolio is effectively planned, coordinated, monitored, and controlled from a programme, financial, procurement, and contractual perspective.

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF7) in Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Architecture or any relevant field
• At least five (5) years’ experience in infrastructure project delivery.
• Experience managing complex capital programmes.
• Strong experience in construction contracts, cost management, procurement, and commercial administration.
• Experience in higher education, government, or large institutional infrastructure environments advantageous.

Recommended Requirements

• Professional registration with SACPCMP, SACQSP, ECSA, SACAP or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in project management, infrastructure management, or business administration
• Driver’s license
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours

Duties

Infrastructure Programme Management

• Develop and maintain an integrated infrastructure programme management framework.
• Consolidate information from Senior Project Managers to provide the Director with a complete portfolio view.

Monitor:

• Project progress
• Milestones
• Expenditure
• Procurement status
• Contract performance
• Risks and constraints
• Identify programme-level challenges requiring executive intervention.
• Support the Director in strategic infrastructure planning and prioritisation

Infrastructure Financial Management and Cost Control

• Provide programme-level financial oversight of infrastructure projects.

Work closely with the Quantity Surveyor to monitor:

• Project budgets
• Cost reports
• Forecast final costs
• Cash flows
• Expenditure trends
• Budget deviations

Review of financial implications that include:

• Variations
• Extension of time claims
• Compensation events
• Scope changes
• Contract amendments
• Provide early warnings to the Director on potential cost overruns.

Monitor: Contract Management and Commercial Oversight

• Maintain strong knowledge of construction contracts, including JBCC, NEC, and other relevant infrastructure contracts.
• Provide programme-level oversight of contract administration.

Monitor:

• Contract compliance
• Contractor performance
• Payment processes
• Claims
• Variations
• Dispute risks
• Work with Senior Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors to ensure contractual matters are properly managed.
• Ensure that contractual decisions are supported by appropriate commercial analysis

Variations and Change Management

• Establish a governance process for managing variations and scope changes.
• Review variation submissions and ensure:
• Proper motivation exists
• Financial impact is understood
• Budget availability is confirmed
• Approval processes are followed
• Track cumulative project changes and their impact on programme budgets.
• Report significant variations to the Director.

Supply Chain Management and Procurement Coordination

• Work closely with Supply Chain Management to ensure procurement supports infrastructure delivery objectives.
• Monitor procurement plans for:
• Professional teams
• Contractors
• Specialist consultants
• Infrastructure-related services
• Ensure procurement timelines align with project implementation schedules.
• Provide input into infrastructure procurement strategies.
• Monitor procurement risks affecting project delivery

Collaboration with Quantity Surveyor

• Reviewing cost plans and project budgets.
• Monitoring project affordability.
• Analysing financial impacts of design changes.
• Reviewing contractor payments and financial progress.
• Supporting value engineering initiatives.
• Ensuring alignment between programme objectives and cost management.
• (The Quantity Surveyor remains professionally accountable for quantity surveying functions and reports independently to the Director.)

Executive Reporting and Governance

Prepare high-level infrastructure reports for:

• Director
• Executive committees
• Governance structures

Provide analysis on:

• Financial performance
• Project delivery status
• Contract risks
• Procurement challenges
• Strategic decisions required
• Maintain programme dashboards and management information systems.

Infrastructure Projects Office Management

• Manage and develop the Infrastructure Projects Officer.
• Maintain programme records, systems, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate programme meetings and reporting cycles.
• Ensure effective document control and information management

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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

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Purpose

• The Project Officer provides administrative, financial administration, and data control support to the IPMO. The role ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Office by supporting the Director, Senior Project Managers, and project teams with office administration, purchase orders, reconciliations, debtor-type administration, accurate data capture, document control, records management, and reporting for the 2026–2030 Infrastructure Development Plan.

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (NQF7) in Office Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in an administrative or office support role, preferably within a project management, technical, or construction environment.
• Experience supporting senior management or working in a busy office environment will be advantageous.
• Experience in AutoCAD or similar applications, Risk Associated with Records Management, and using SharePoint for project management
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

Recommended Requirements

• Experience in financial administration and data control, including purchase orders, invoice processing, reconciliations, debtor-type administration, data capture, records management, reporting, and the use of financial or enterprise resource planning systems,

Duties

Administrative and Secretariat Support

• Provide administrative support to the Director and project management staff, including diary management, correspondence, and travel arrangements.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and follow up on action items.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and reports.
• Maintain administrative and project-related filing systems.
• Order and manage office supplies and equipment for the IPMO.

Project Coordination Support

• Assist with the preparation and formatting of project reports, presentations, and submissions.
• Coordinate meetings with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders, including logistical and venue arrangements.
• Track and follow up on outstanding actions, approvals, and documentation from project teams.
• Assist with collating documentation for procurement processes, tenders, and contracts.

Financial Administration and Data Control

• Administer more complex financial transactions, including the preparation and processing of purchase orders, invoice tracking, payment follow-ups, reconciliations, and expenditure monitoring.
• Perform debtor-type administration, including maintaining records of amounts due, following up on outstanding payments or recoveries, reconciling debtor-related information, and ensuring accurate supporting documentation.
• Capture, verify, and reconcile financial information on relevant University systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance with internal controls, and timely submission for approval.
• Perform data controller functions by capturing, validating, updating, and maintaining accurate project, financial, procurement, and administrative data on approved University systems and registers.
• Monitor data completeness, accuracy, version control, and supporting documentation to ensure reliable reporting, audit readiness, and compliance with university record-keeping requirements.
• Prepare routine data extracts, registers, reconciliations, and summary reports to support project monitoring, financial tracking, procurement follow-up, and management decision-making.
• Support leave administration and maintains attendance records for Office staff.
• Assist with recruitment logistics, onboarding, and induction administration for new staff.
• Maintain asset registers and support stock-taking processes for the Office.

General Office Management

• Serve as the first point of contact for visitors and general enquiries to the Office.
• Coordinate logistics for Office events, workshops, and training sessions.
• Support compliance with university policies and procedures relating to administration and record-keeping.
• Perform other administrative duties required to support the effective functioning of the IPMO.

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Purpose

• Sol Plaatje University seeks to appoint a Quantity Surveyor to support the Director: Infrastructure Project Management with the planning, cost management and delivery of the University’s 2026–2030 Infrastructure Development Plan.
• The incumbent will provide professional quantity surveying and cost management services across the full lifecycle of capital infrastructure projects.

Mimimum Requirements 

• A bachelor’s degree (NQF7) in Quantity Surveying
• Registration as a Professional Quantity Surveyor with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession.
• Construction estimating or finance experience is advantageous,
• PMP certification is an additional advantage

Recommended Requirements 

• Strong analytical, numerical and cost-planning skills.
• Proficiency in quantity surveying software, such as CCS, WinQS, DimX or Buildsoft, and advanced competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel & MS Projects.
• Excellent contract administration and negotiation skills.
• High level attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Integrity and sound judgement in financial and contractual matters.

Duties

Planning, Budgeting and Feasibility

• Prepare cost estimates, budgets and feasibility studies for new infrastructure projects during the planning phase, considering the whole-life cost of infrastructure and not only initial capital cost.
• Support the Director in compiling infrastructure budgets, business cases and funding motivations.
• Conduct cash-flow forecasting and financial reporting for the infrastructure programme.
• Maintain and update a database of cost benchmarks, cost norms and elemental cost estimates from historical projects, to inform the costing of future infrastructure projects.

Procurement and Tender Support

• Compile bills of quantities, tender documentation and contract documentation in line with supply chain and procurement policies.
• Evaluate tenders and contractor bids, and provide recommendations on cost, value and affordability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant public sector financial regulations, university supply chain policy and applicable built environment legislation.

Administer: Contract Administration and Cost Control

• Administer construction contracts, including JBCC, NEC and GCC contracts, where applicable.
• Prepare and review valuations, payment certificates, variation orders and final accounts.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and report on cost variances.
• Assess and negotiate claims, extensions of time and change orders.

Reporting, Records and Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with appointed professionals, contractors and other consultants to support cost-effective project delivery.
• Work closely with the Senior Project Manager assigned to each project on cost-related matters, while escalating significant cost issues to the Director.
• Maintain accurate project cost records and documentation for audit purposes.
• Assist with risk management related to project costs and procurement.
• Provide regular progress and financial reports to the Director and relevant university committees.

Collaboration with Programme Manager

• Reviewing cost plans and project budgets.
• Monitoring project affordability.
• Analysing financial impacts of design changes.
• Reviewing contractor payments and financial progress.
• Supporting value engineering initiatives.
• Ensuring alignment between programme objectives and cost management.
• (The Quantity Surveyor remains professionally accountable for quantity surveying functions and reports independently to the Director.)