CHIEF ENGINEER: MECHANICAL: ENGINEERING SERVICES [GRADE A-B] = 1 POST [RE-ADVERT]

This is a senior professional engineering post within the Provincial Office in Polokwane, reporting into the department’s engineering services unit. Re-advertised as a Chief Engineer for Mechanical Engineering, the role is responsible for leading complex, innovative engineering activities and providing strategic direction across a portfolio of infrastructure projects. The incumbent will need to function effectively within the public health sector environment, understanding the health services plan and translating engineering requirements into deliverable, compliant projects. The position requires a strong grasp of the Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS), as well as all applicable legislation, policies, frameworks and instruction notes. The successful candidate will be expected to guide and operate within these parameters while managing multiple stakeholders, projects and programmes.

Candidates must hold an appropriate degree in Mechanical Engineering and be registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). At least six years of relevant professional experience is required, with experience gained in a healthcare environment or a similarly complex setting considered an added advantage. Computer literacy is essential, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as virtual meeting platforms. Given the scope of the work, the successful applicant must be prepared to travel extensively throughout the province and work longer hours as operational demands require. A valid driver’s licence is required, except for applicants with disabilities who are exempt from this condition.

The key performance areas are broad and demanding. The Chief Engineer will undertake engineering designs and perform final review and approval of audits on new designs according to established design principles. The role also entails managing the execution of maintenance strategies by ensuring appropriate structures, systems and resources are in place, setting maintenance standards and service levels, and monitoring efficiencies to keep engineering services aligned with organisational objectives. The incumbent will provide effective engineering and project management services, load project documents onto the data management system, and ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related legislation. Research, people management and budget management are further core responsibilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to interpret specifications for engineering and technical services, apply computer-aided engineering applications, conduct risk analyses and implement mitigation strategies, and prepare technical reports, submissions and presentations. Budget preparation and the ability to extract and interpret information from related information systems are also required. The department will determine the salary package based on years of experience after professional registration, and the post offers a challenging opportunity to shape infrastructure delivery in the provincial health sector.