Introduction
We are seeking a client-facing Project Manager to take full responsibility for the successful delivery of projects within the Life Science industry. The successful candidate will ensure that all projects are executed in line with our key performance objectives of Cost, Time, and Quality.
The role involves managing and coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams throughout all phases of the project life cycle, following our Design, Build, Validate (DBV) project execution methodology. The Project Manager will oversee both brownfield and greenfield projects, ensuring seamless collaboration across design, construction, and validation activities to deliver world-class facilities for our clients.
We are looking for an individual with a proven track record in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects within an engineering environment. An engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, automation, or related discipline) is preferred, along with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, and the ability to foster effective relationships with clients and internal teams.
Our company is based in Cape Town, but employees can expect to be involved in projects across South Africa. Therefore, the successful candidate must be willing and able to travel for defined periods during different stages of the project life cycle.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of projects through strong leadership, coordination, and client engagement. Core responsibilities include:
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Team Coordination and Leadership:
Coordinate the efforts of all project staff, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure alignment with project goals, schedules, and deliverables. Provide clear direction, facilitate collaboration between disciplines, and maintain effective communication channels across the project team.
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Project Cost Control and Budget Management:
Monitor and manage project costs, including capital expenditure and man-hour allocations. Ensure all work is executed within approved budgets and proactively identify potential cost variances or savings opportunities.
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Client Liaison and Relationship Management:
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining open communication and ensuring that all project requirements, expectations, and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
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Project Scheduling and Planning:
Take full accountability for the preparation, updating, and maintenance of overall project schedules. Ensure that all tasks and milestones are properly defined, sequenced, and tracked to achieve on-time delivery.
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Financial Planning and Cost Reporting:
Prepare and maintain the overall project cost plan, integrating inputs from various disciplines to reflect accurate, up-to-date forecasts. Provide regular cost performance updates and support management in financial decision-making.
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Meeting Coordination and Documentation:
Schedule and facilitate internal and client meetings as required. Record, issue, and follow up on minutes of meetings to ensure all agreed actions are tracked and implemented.
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Project Reporting:
Prepare and submit comprehensive monthly project status reports detailing progress, risks, budget adherence, and key issues, ensuring transparency and alignment with stakeholders.
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Mentorship and Staff Development:
Support and mentor junior or discipline engineers, fostering professional growth, technical development, and knowledge sharing within the team.
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Marketing and Business Development Support:
Collaborate with company directors in business development and marketing initiatives. Actively contribute to building and maintaining relationships with clients and industry stakeholders.
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Problem Solving and Contingency Management:
Identify and address ad hoc challenges that arise during project execution. Implement effective contingency plans to minimize disruption and ensure project continuity.
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Technical Support:
When required, perform the duties of a Discipline Engineer on projects that do not include this dedicated resource. Apply technical expertise to ensure design and engineering standards are upheld.
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Compliance and General Duties:
Carry out additional tasks as requested by management, ensuring all actions are consistent with company policies, values, and professional standards. Adhere strictly to the Company HR Policy and Procedures Manual.
Skills & Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to effectively lead complex engineering projects from concept to completion.
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Meticulous Attention to Detail:
Demonstrates precision and thoroughness in all aspects of project execution—from reviewing engineering drawings and cost estimates to validating construction and commissioning deliverables—ensuring nothing is overlooked.
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Strong Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills:
Maintains professional and positive relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams. Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization to foster collaboration and trust.
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Ability to Work Under Pressure and Meet Deadlines:
Thrives in high-demand project environments, managing multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining quality, composure, and focus under tight timelines.
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Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills (English):
Clearly articulates project objectives, technical information, and progress updates through professional reports, presentations, and client correspondence.
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Independent and Proactive Work Ethic:
Works effectively with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative and accountability in driving project progress and resolving challenges.
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Collaborative Team Player:
Encourages teamwork and cooperation within multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring alignment across engineering, procurement, construction, and validation functions.
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Strong Organisational and Planning Ability:
Efficiently manages resources, schedules, and project deliverables. Prioritises tasks strategically to achieve milestones and maintain project momentum.
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Self-Motivation and Drive:
Displays enthusiasm, persistence, and a strong sense of ownership in achieving both individual and company goals.
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Effective Managerial and Leadership Skills:
Leads by example, guiding teams with confidence and clarity. Demonstrates sound decision-making and the ability to delegate effectively while maintaining oversight.
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Financial and Scheduling Competence:
Proficient in developing and maintaining project budgets, cost control systems, and schedules, ensuring adherence to both financial and time constraints.
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Ability to Motivate and Inspire Others:
Encourages team engagement, fosters accountability, and promotes a results-oriented work culture that supports productivity and innovation.
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Mentorship and Development Orientation:
Committed to nurturing the growth of junior engineers and project staff through active mentorship, technical guidance, and professional support.
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Confidence and Professional Demeanour:
Maintains composure and professionalism in client-facing interactions, demonstrating confidence, credibility, and emotional intelligence.
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Administrative and Reporting Proficiency:
Highly organized in managing documentation, project reports, meeting minutes, and correspondence, ensuring compliance with company and client requirements.
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Good Physical and Mental Resilience:
Maintains the stamina and focus required for site visits, travel, and the demands of managing multiple concurrent projects.
Education & Experience
The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation supported by proven project management experience within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment.
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Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, B.Tech, or National Diploma (S4/ND) in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic, or Process Engineering is required.
A post-graduate qualification or certification in Project Management (such as PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) will be considered a significant advantage.
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Professional Experience:
Preferably 5 to 10 years of post-graduate experience in the engineering industry, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in a project management environment.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering projects involving design, build, and validation phases within the Life Science, Pharmaceutical, or Industrial sectors.
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Technical and Software Proficiency:
High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Project for project scheduling and progress tracking, as well as MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting and documentation.
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Regulatory and Safety Knowledge:
Sound understanding and practical application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and relevant South African standards (SANS) as applied to project execution and site management.
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Additional Experience (Advantageous):
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Experience in brownfield and greenfield project environments, managing engineering, procurement, and construction activities.
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Exposure to EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) environments and understanding of GMP and validation principles within the Life Science sector.
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Proven ability to coordinate teams, manage cost and time performance, and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
