Function Manager / Section Manager

PRIMARY POSITION PURPOSE  

This position is responsible for the development of the functional business in the region. The position is responsible for business planning, marketing, profitability, resource management, project execution and delivery. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Develop business strategies in line with the functions business plan in conjunction with SMEC business objectives and the overall national and company strategic objectives 

• Marketing within the region as well as focusing on key clients who have a national and multi-functional impact 

• Proactive approach in developing work or being aware of what projects are likely to come up from key clients 

• Responsible for the commercial and business management of Regional Functional Group. This includes financial management, client liaison and contract administration of the selected projects 

• Develop and maintain key client relationships in the sector 

• Submission of Expression Of Interest (EOIs) and proposals  

• Responsible for the overview of proposals submitted by the functional team 

• Manage the functional overhead, proposal and marketing budgets 

• Win and deliver location based functional group projects 

• Ensure projects are completed on time and on budget and apply quality management system 

• Ensure all resource processes are functioning within the team, this involves monitoring and improving processes within the function group  

• Monitor staff utilisation levels to ensure staff are fully utilised – target is optimal utilisation, ensuring profitability and the development of people 

• Ensure projects are adequately resourced in terms of numbers and capabilities 

• Develop and maintain internal contacts within SMEC South Africa to share appropriate skills 

• Identify and review suitable training and mentoring with staff members.  

• Ensure documentation, reporting and communication is appropriately achieved 

• Manage or be part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver project milestones 

• Mentor and challenge staff 

• Responsible for assigning Project Managers on projects and monitoring their performance 

• Work directly with the Functional General Manager on issues of national utilisation, knowledge management and process control related to functional group 

• Utilise and work with Chief Technical Principals where applicable 

• Cross sell other SMEC groups when opportunity arises 

• Mentor and develop quality project management resources within the region’s business 

• Monthly reporting to management on staff utilisation, profitability, forecasting, staff wellness, project deliverables, client relationships, WIP and AR 

• Strictly adhere to SMEC’s Management System (MS), quality standards and HSE procedures and monitor team compliance 

• Input to strategy formulation of other function groups and regions 

• Direct responsibility for Budgets as per the IOD 

• Strictly adhere to the relevant IOD instruction and keep track of any amendments made to this document 

• Constant liaison with the regional and national business development team(s) 

• Actively collaborate with the regional manager and other functional groups, keeping the larger SMEC in mind, and not fall into a silo mentality 

• Ensure the function stays ahead with innovative ideas and solutions  

• Undertake annual “Continuous Improvement Goals” CIG’s with staff, with a six-month informal feedback/reflection session 

• Consistently produce concept and feasibility designs/solutions that clearly differentiate us from our competitors nationally 

• Performance in delivering successful project outcomes and good customer experiences 

• Coordination and development of innovation on a functional/national basis 

• Able to drive technical input to bids and provide clear USPs in technological field 

• Co-operation with other WO within the current office environment as well as interaction between regions 

• Assistance to the RM on regional marketing and opportunity matters as well as office matters 

• Line management responsibility for the Regional Function Group 

• Responsible for assigning tasks, reviewing work and performance management of direct reports 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• Develop and implement functional group strategy for the region 

• Maintain and expand key client base 

• Contribution to growth 

• Staff utilisation (Resource Profitability) 

• Control of budget parameters 

• Project profitability 

• Implementation of Project Management and Company Procedures 

• Development and integration of team 

• Quality, professionalism, technical innovation and excellence 

• Achieving financial targets 

• Managing budgets and overheads 

• Project delivery to meet client’s Terms of Reference (TOR) 

• Development of networks and contribution to team goals 

• Business development and marketing where appropriate 

• Promote staff development and project team management 

• Technical support and mentoring 

• Technical reviews of relevant work 

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE   

• Bachelor of Engineering degree/higher degree from accredited university/college 

• 10 - 15 years of practical experience in the functional group discipline 

• Sound knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) 

• Ability to market and develop relationships 

• Implementation of sound principles in project management, risk management and financial management 

• Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary input into opportunities and projects 

• Willingness and ability to work with Web based financial systems to extract and analyse group performance (BST) 

• Knowledge of design processes and implementation and management of these processes 

• Knowledge of industry trends and advances 

• Ability to write effectively and furnish reports and to prepare business development materials including proposals 

• Demonstrated ability to successfully undertake and deliver client’s TOR 

• Hands on experience in delivering within project-based budgets and timelines 

• Recognized expertise in one or more fields nationally and internationally 

• Influential member of relevant national industry committee 

We are proud of the brilliant minds we have at SMEC and are committed to ensuring that our people have the best opportunities and resources to learn, grow and succeed. Our hiring decisions are guided by skills, qualifications and experience, ensuring fair and equitable access

to opportunities for all. We are intentional about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, not as a requirement, but as a fundamental part of who we are. We strive to create a workplace where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced, fresh ideas are encouraged, and everyone has the support they need to thrive. At SMEC, every individual has a voice, and through our commitment to engineering positive change, every contribution makes a difference