CHIEF ENGINEER, GRADE A

This senior engineering post sits within the Physical Resources Management (Infrastructure) directorate of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, and is based at the head office in Polokwane. As a Chief Engineer Grade A, the incumbent will provide strategic and technical leadership for the planning, design, maintenance and governance of government immovable assets. The role operates within the framework of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, the National Building Standards Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the South African Schools Act, reflecting the legislative environment relevant to the department’s infrastructure functions. The position is graded under the Occupational Specific Dispensation for engineers, and the advertised remuneration is aligned to that grade.

Candidates must hold a recognised engineering qualification at NQF level 7, specifically a B Engineering or BSc Engineering degree, with at least six years of relevant post-qualification experience. Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa is mandatory. A valid driver’s licence is required, with an exemption for people with disabilities. The role demands a broad set of core and process competencies, including people management and empowerment, programme and project management, financial management, change management, knowledge management, client orientation and customer focus, problem solving and analysis, communication skills, and functional computer literacy. In addition, a thorough working knowledge of the legislation listed above, along with related regulations and guidelines, is essential.

The duties are wide-ranging and centre on ensuring the engineering integrity and operational availability of the department’s infrastructure portfolio. The Chief Engineer will perform final reviews, approvals and audits of new engineering designs, coordinate design efforts across different disciplines, and pioneer new engineering services and management methods. Maintenance is a key responsibility: the post holder must manage the execution of maintenance strategies, set engineering maintenance standards, specifications and service levels, and monitor maintenance efficiencies to redirect services where needed. On the governance side, the role involves allocating, controlling, monitoring and reporting on all resources; compiling risk logs and managing significant risks; providing technical consulting services; and implementing knowledge sharing initiatives such as secondments and short-term assignments. Financial management is also central, including ensuring funds are available to meet Medium-Term Expenditure Framework objectives, managing the operational capital project portfolio, overseeing commercial value of programmes, facilitating innovation proposals, and controlling expenditure in line with budget. Human resource management forms another pillar, with responsibility for developing, motivating and utilising staff, setting performance standards for subordinates, and correcting deviations to achieve departmental objectives.

Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with copies of qualifications and other documents required only when applying through the e-recruitment system. The department has provided named contact persons for enquiries. The closing date and reference number are shown in the advertisement, and interested candidates should ensure their applications reach the department by that date.