Senior Engineer

About

Are you a senior, professionally registered engineer with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams on large-scale government infrastructure projects? This is a rare opportunity to step out of traditional consulting and operate from the funder's side — protecting investment, driving delivery, and shaping project outcomes from day one.

Our client is a construction funding company that finances government infrastructure projects across South Africa. They are building an internal Project Management Unit (PMU) and need an experienced leader to head it up.

What you'll be doing

• Assessing projects at inception — drawings, BOQs, budgets, and timelines — before funding is approved
• Leading and managing the PMU (QSs, PMs, engineers) on behalf of the funder
• Identifying technical, commercial, and delivery risks early and implementing mitigation measures
• Ensuring correct application of construction contracts (NEC/JBCC) and certification processes
• Monitoring cost movements, flagging risks, and maintaining budget control across all funded projects
• Overseeing contractor and professional team performance from a contractual perspective
• Providing clear, regular reporting to the Construction Deal Manager
• Engaging with developers, contractors, consultants, and public sector stakeholders

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related discipline
• Professional registration — PrEng or equivalent (non-negotiable)
• 10–15 years' experience in consulting engineering, infrastructure delivery, or construction project management
• Proven experience as a Principal Agent on construction projects
• Strong track record managing multidisciplinary teams (QSs, PMs, engineers) within a PMU or similar structure
• Deep knowledge of government and public sector infrastructure delivery
• Solid understanding of project finance, cost control, and BOQ assessment
• Strong working knowledge of NEC and/or JBCC construction contracts

Why this role stands out

• You operate from the funder's side — not the contractor's
• Real strategic influence over project approvals and investment decisions
• Lead and build a growing internal PMU
• Permanent, full-time role with a stable, established funding company