Chief Director: Engineering Services

In brief

Overview This is a senior managerial position for a Chief Director of Engineering Services (Ref No: 2026/371) within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The role is based at the Head Office in Pretoria and offers an all-inclusive salary package of R1,554,696 per annum, structured according to Senior Management Services rules. The role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering plans, processes, and standards, ensuring compliance, and managing a Chief Directorate. What you will do * Oversee the development of engineering plans, processes, and procedures. * Oversee the development and maintenance of professional best practice parameters and quality standards, manuals, and guidelines on professional standards. * Monitor and ensure the implementation and continuous adherence to professional guidelines and standards. * Manage approvals or audits on new engineering designs according to design principles or theory. * Ensure engineering design efforts and integration across disciplines to ensure seamless integration with current technology. * Oversee budget and timelines for engineering projects. * Promote and enforce a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with applicable legislation and company policies and procedures. * Drive continuous improvement of processes, quality and cost to maintain profitability and competitiveness. * Oversee the maintenance of engineering operational effectiveness. * Manage the execution of maintenance strategy through the provision of appropriate structures, systems, and resources. * Ensure engineering maintenance standards, specifications, and service levels in accordance with Departmental objectives to ensure optimum operational availability. * Monitor maintenance efficiencies according to departmental goals to direct or redirect engineering services. * Ensure and monitor compliance with standard operating procedures. * Provide expert advice on electrical safety and risk management. * Ensure compliance to OHSA, legal, and environmental requirements. * Manage cost efficiency of engineering projects and life cycle costing. * Manage and provide technical operational advice on water and wastewater treatment purification service to client departments. * Oversee the implementation of the Water Act within the department. * Manage the implementation and maintenance of the Water and Waste Water Plants. * Apply research findings to help minimise the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, and other problems. * Research ways to improve water conservation and preservation. * Evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as irrigation systems and waste treatment facilities. * Manage the Chief Directorate. * Establish and maintain appropriate internal controls and reporting systems in order to meet performance expectations. * Develop and manage the operational plan of the Directorate and report on progress as required. * Manage performance and development of employees. * Establish, implement, and maintain efficient and effective communication arrangements. * Compile and submit all required administrative reports. * Quality control of work delivered by employees. * Monitor the budget and expenditures for the Directorate. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Qualification**: A Minimum qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in engineering or relevant field of study. * **Experience**: A minimum of 5 years of experience at a senior managerial level in the Engineering field. * **Registration**: Compulsory professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). * **Knowledge**: * Engineering best practice Project Management * Extensive knowledge of all engineering aspects of the building and construction environment * Public Finance Management Act * Occupational Health and Safety Act * Supply Chain Management * Contract Management * **Skills**: * Decision making * Team leadership * Analytical skills * Creativity * Self-management * Financial management * Communication * Computer literacy * Planning and organising * Negotiation skills * Problem solving and analysis * **Personal Attributes**: * Programme and project management * Engineering design and analysis knowledge * Research and development * Computer aided engineering applications * Knowledge of legal compliance * Technical report writing * Creating high-performance culture * Networking * Engineering and professional judgment Who should apply An experienced and professionally registered engineer with a minimum of 5 years of senior managerial experience in the engineering field. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of engineering aspects in the building and construction environment, public finance, occupational health and safety, supply chain management, and contract management. They should be a strong leader with excellent decision-making, financial management, planning, analytical, and communication skills, capable of overseeing complex engineering projects, driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with regulations, and effectively managing a Chief Directorate and its personnel. Expertise in water and wastewater management, along with a commitment to environmental impact mitigation and water conservation, is also essential. Deadline Not specified Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-public-works-and-infrastructure-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-39-of-2026#spani-ref-2026-371 Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 5 years of experience.

• Project management
• Health and safety (OHS)

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