Project Manager - Development Services

About the Role You will manage built environment and infrastructure projects across the full project life cycle, from Stages 1 to 6, with a strong focus on the front-end stages of project initiation, briefing, feasibility, concept development, design coordination, statutory approvals, procurement preparation and tender readiness. While the role title is Project Manager, the position requires a candidate with construction project management capability aligned to the SACPCMP professional environment, particularly in client-side or consultant-side project delivery. This role is not limited to site-based construction management. The successful candidate must be able to operate across both the early planning and design stages and the later implementation, contract administration, construction monitoring and close-out stages, while coordinating multidisciplinary professional teams, managing client approvals and ensuring projects are properly defined before construction commences. Important fit for this role: We are specifically looking for a Project Manager who has practical experience in the SACPCMP construction project management stages, particularly Stages 1 to 4. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate involvement in front-end project definition, project initiation, briefing, feasibility, concept and viability, design development, approvals, procurement strategy and tender readiness. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to site supervision or construction execution should clearly show how they have contributed to these early project stages. Key Responsibilities Project Initiation and Planning Define project scope, objectives, deliverables and stage-gate requirements in alignment with client requirements, statutory frameworks and project governance processes Prepare and coordinate project briefs, project execution plans, risk registers, quality management strategies and approval submissions Manage feasibility studies, concept planning, project budgeting, programme development and early-stage decision-making Support the identification, procurement and appointment of professional service providers and contractors in line with applicable procurement regulations, including PFMA, MFMA and SCM requirements Contract and Legal Administration Administer standard forms of contract including NEC, GCC, FIDIC, and JBCC Ensure compliance with contract terms and manage variations, extensions of time, and claims Advise clients on contract strategy, risk allocation, and dispute resolution procedures Maintain sound contract documentation and communication throughout the project cycle Financial and Cost Management Prepare and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports Monitor cash flow and expenditure, ensuring alignment with both project and organisational financial goals Validate cost estimates, valuations, and final accounts Track profitability and contribute to business performance reporting at the branch leve Design Coordination, Project Execution and Delivery Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary professional teams to deliver stage outputs within scope, schedule, budget and quality requirements Oversee design coordination, statutory approvals, technical documentation, tender preparation and construction readiness Manage implementation-stage activities, including contract administration support, construction monitoring, quality assurance and progress reporting Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental and quality requirements throughout the project life cycle Stakeholder and Client Management Serve as the key point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and authorities Facilitate meetings, progress reviews, and reporting at all project stages Build and maintain strong, professional relationships that support repeat business and client satisfaction Apply empathy and diplomacy in managing expectations and resolving challenges Business Development and Growth Support the Cape Town branch in identifying and pursuing new project opportunities Contribute to proposals, bids, and presentations for public and private sector clients Strengthen the company’s presence in the private development market through relationship-building and industry engagement Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice in project delivery Professional and Team Development Uphold the ethical and professional standards of SACPCMP and related professional bodies Mentor junior staff and contribute to knowledge sharing within the Development Services team Participate in internal capacity-building and technical excellence initiatives About You Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Project Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Architecture or another built environment discipline Registered or eligible for registration with SACPCMP as a Candidate or Professional Construction Project Manager; Pr. CPM registration is preferred. PMI PMP or PMP-CP registration will be advantageous 5 to 8 years’ relevant experience in client-side or consultant-side construction project management within the built environment Demonstrated experience across Stages 1 to 6 of the project life cycle, with strong capability in Stages 1 to 4, including project initiation, briefing, feasibility, concept development, design coordination, statutory approvals, procurement strategy and tender documentation Experience coordinating multidisciplinary professional teams, including engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, town planners, environmental specialists, land surveyors and other built environment consultants Understanding of public sector infrastructure delivery, project governance, approval processes, procurement requirements and reporting obligations Solid knowledge of contract administration, project controls, risk management, cost management and programme management Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills Detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable, with strong professional integrity Creative thinker who enjoys finding practical solutions in complex settings Candidates with mainly site-based construction management experience should be able to demonstrate clear involvement in front-end project planning, professional team coordination, client approvals and procurement preparation IX Engineers Recruiter