Skip to content
mimi

Head of Technical & Engineering – Africa (FRP / Composites)

Red Chilli Recruitment

South Africa · flexible Full-time Executive 1mo ago

About the role

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading manufacturer of FRP composite solutions who are growing their technical capability across Africa. This is a high-impact leadership role driving product innovation, R&D, and engineering execution across a diverse composite product portfolio. You'll own the full product development lifecycle, from concept and formulation through to industrialisation and production.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development & R&D

  • Lead end-to-end NPD: concept → design → prototype → industrialisation
  • Drive materials R&D to improve performance, durability, and cost efficiency
  • Explore new materials, technologies, and applications

Engineering & Tooling

  • Own product and process design — manufacturable, scalable, cost-effective
  • Develop technical specifications, design standards, and tooling capability
  • Ensure smooth handover from development into production

Commercial & Project Delivery

  • Deliver projects on time, within budget, and to spec
  • Support pricing strategies, tender submissions, and value engineering

Team & Industry Leadership

  • Develop and mentor engineers, building a strong internal pipeline
  • Monitor industry trends and engage technical partners

Requirements

  • Degree or National Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related)
  • 5–7+ years in engineering or product development within manufacturing, with experience in:
    • Composite materials / FRP / polymers (highly advantageous)
    • End-to-end NPD and industrialisation
    • Leading technical teams
    • Cost engineering and tender support

Why This Role?

  • Own the technical agenda with real influence
  • Work at the forefront of FRP innovation in Africa
  • Build and develop the next generation of engineers
  • Where deep technical expertise directly drives commercial growth

Skills

FRPCompositesPolymers

Don't send a generic resume

Paste this job description into Mimi and get a resume tailored to exactly what the hiring team is looking for.

Get started free