Section Manager -Geotechnics

SMEC is a professional engineering services firm with Australian origins and a global footprint that provides high-quality consultancy services on major infrastructure projects. SMEC South Africa is looking to employ a Section Manager for their Geotech function based in their Cape Town offices.

REPORTS TO

Function Manager or any other person appointed to supervise him/her from time to time. 

PRIMARY POSITION PURPOSE

This position is responsible for project acquisition, project management, financial management and delivery and technical design of all projects within the Section, including the management of staff within the group to ensure full utilisation and achievement of project milestones. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Market development and proactive approach in developing work or being aware of what projects are likely to come up from clients – generating repeat business 

• Assist FM in developing business strategies for the section in conjunction with the Functional Group’s Business Plan and objectives 

• Develop and maintain existing key client relationships and maintain client satisfaction 

• Submission of tenders, EOIs and proposals for the section and to provide input into large infrastructure projects as required in line with Instrument of Delegation 

• Win and deliver projects for the section 

• Ensure projects within the section are completed on time and on budget 

• Ensure appropriate technical standards, and Quality Assurance Management System requirements are maintained on projects 

• Monitor staff utilisation levels and ensure staff are fully utilised 

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

• Establish and maintain internal contacts within SMEC South Africa to source the appropriate skills 

• Development of staff - this includes keeping them informed, providing suitable training, mentoring, suitable opportunities, planning career paths, maintaining professional ethics and professional standards of behaviour 

• Ensure documentation, reporting and communication is to the required quality 

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

• Maintain professional development and remain abreast of advances in chosen technical field 

• Offer clients technical innovative solutions 

• Project related construction administration 

• Administrative project related duties e.g. budget capturing on BST, administration of said budgets, time sheets etc. 

• Invoicing to clients, updating progress and follow ups on invoicing 

• Directly responsible for project budgets  

• Directly responsible for achieving revenue target 

• Indirectly responsible for the sections financials as per the IOD 

• Cross selling of other functional groups when possible 

• Responsible for making sure the local function is profitable (managing overheads and budgets) 

• Monthly financial reporting. 

• Monitoring Project Manager performance on local function projects 

• Drive quality and management procedures in the local function 

• Drive innovation changes within the local function 

• Ensure good relations exist within the team to facilitate efficient project delivery 

• Develop and maintain key client relationships 

• Meeting budgetary and time constraints of various projects whilst maintaining appropriate technical standards and QA requirements 

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

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Development of key client base 

• Project delivery - milestones 

• Work won 

• Staff utilisation 

• Cost effectiveness of projects and ability to work to financial budgets and targets 

• Understanding of operational and project contractual arrangements 

• Building cohesive, results-oriented teams for project delivery 

• Implementation of project management and company procedures 

• Quality of reports and project output 

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Engineering degree (BEng or BSc (Eng) from accredited university/college 

• MEng or MSc (Eng) in geotechnical engineering is advantageous

• Professionally registered with ECSA (PrEng)

• 8 - 10 years of practical experience in the relevant discipline 

• Experience in design using appropriate software, documentation and delivery of major projects involving related civil design 

• Experience in management of large civil design projects involving small teams of civil designers and CAD operators 

• Experience in Government standards, codes and documentation  

• Knowledge of web-based project cost control and financial systems (BST) 

• Ability to maintain a consistent and manageable workload  

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.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!