CHIEF DIRECTOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES

This Chief Director: Engineering Services position is a demanding senior management role within the Department of Public Works, based at the Head Office in Pretoria. The incumbent will lead the Chief Directorate of Engineering Services, providing strategic direction and technical oversight for a wide range of engineering functions that support the department’s mandate. This includes managing the development and implementation of engineering plans, processes and procedures, ensuring that professional best practice parameters and quality standards are established and maintained, and overseeing the integration of engineering design efforts across multiple disciplines. The role is highly visible within the department, requiring close collaboration with other directorates, client departments, and external stakeholders to ensure that engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with applicable legislation and policies.

Candidates must hold a minimum qualification at NQF level 7 in engineering or a related field, as recognised by SAQA, and have at least five years’ experience at a senior managerial level in the engineering field. Compulsory professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is required. The role demands extensive knowledge of engineering best practice, project management, and all engineering aspects of the building and construction environment, as well as familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Supply Chain Management, and Contract Management. In addition to technical expertise, the ideal candidate will possess strong decision-making, team leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with financial management, communication, planning, organising, negotiation, and computer literacy capabilities. Personal attributes such as creativity, self-management, networking, and the ability to create a high-performance culture are also essential.

The duties of the post are broad and encompass both strategic and operational responsibilities. The Chief Director will oversee the development and maintenance of professional standards, manuals, and guidelines, monitor compliance, and manage approvals or audits on new engineering designs. They will ensure that design efforts are seamlessly integrated with current technology and that budgets and timelines for engineering projects are meticulously managed. A key area of focus is the promotion and enforcement of a safe and healthy work environment, in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and departmental policies. The post-holder must drive continuous improvement in processes, quality, and cost management, and oversee the maintenance of engineering operational effectiveness. This includes managing the execution of maintenance strategies through appropriate structures, systems, and resources, ensuring that maintenance standards, specifications, and service levels align with departmental objectives, and monitoring maintenance efficiencies to direct or redirect engineering services as needed. Compliance with standard operating procedures, expert advice on electrical safety and risk management, and adherence to environmental and legal requirements are also central to the role.

A significant portion of the responsibilities relates to water and wastewater engineering. The Chief Director will manage and provide technical operational advice on water and wastewater treatment purification services to client departments, oversee the implementation of the Water Act within the department, and manage the implementation and maintenance of water and wastewater plants. The role also involves applying research findings to minimise the environmental impacts of pollution and erosion, researching ways to improve water conservation and preservation, and evaluating the feasibility of water-related projects such as irrigation systems and waste treatment facilities. Additionally, the post-holder is responsible for the overall management of the Chief Directorate, including establishing and maintaining internal controls and reporting systems, developing and managing the operational plan, reporting on progress, managing employee performance and development, and ensuring effective communication arrangements. They must compile administrative reports, quality control the work delivered by employees, and monitor the budget and expenditures for the Directorate.

This is a Senior Management Service position with an all-inclusive remuneration package structured according to public service rules, and it offers a unique opportunity for a professionally registered engineer to make a significant impact on public infrastructure and water services. As part of the application process, candidates are required to complete the prescribed Z83 application form and submit a detailed CV; certified copies of qualifications are not required at the initial stage, but shortlisted applicants will need to provide them before the interview. Applicants should ensure their Z83 form is fully completed, signed, and dated, and that separate applications are submitted for each post applied for, in line with the department’s recruitment instructions. This is an exacting and rewarding role for an experienced engineering leader with a strong commitment to public service and professional excellence.