Strategic Projects Program Manager - Utilities

SUMMARY:
Our Client is looking for a  Strategic Projects Program Manager to join their team

POSITION INFO:
Location: Cape Town

Job Summary

The Strategic Projects Program Manager will serve as the driving force behind large-scale, long-term projects. This individual will own the full project lifecycle — from strategic scoping and stakeholder alignment through to delivery and performance review — ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on revenue growth and strategic positioning in the water and electricity sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Delivery
  • Lead and manage multiple large-scale, high-revenue water and electricity infrastructure projects from inception to completion
  • Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success metrics in alignment with organisational strategy
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk registers, and resource plans
  • Monitor project performance against KPIs and take corrective action as required
• Strategic Planning & Business Development
  • Identify and develop opportunities for new strategic projects aligned to growth objectives
  • Support business development efforts including tendering, proposal writing, and client presentations
  • Contribute to long-range planning and the prioritisation of the project pipeline
• Stakeholder & Client Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government bodies, utility providers, and subcontractors
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for key project stakeholders
  • Manage expectations, resolve disputes, and ensure high levels of client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle
• Team & Resource Management
  • Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, procurement, and operations
  • Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure all projects comply with relevant South African legislation, industry standards, and environmental regulations
  • Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports, financial forecasts, and risk assessments to senior leadership
  • Maintain accurate project documentation in line with quality management systems

• Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or related discipline)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Additional qualifications in Business Administration, Construction Management, or Project Management advantageous
• Experience
  • Minimum 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in senior/lead capacity
  • Proven track record managing high-value infrastructure projects in the water and/or electricity engineering sector
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-year, multi-stakeholder projects
  • Experience in the South African public sector and municipal client environment highly advantageous

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with confidence and diplomacy
• High level of financial literacy — budget management, forecasting, and cost control
• Strong problem-solving ability and resilience under pressure
• Commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability

• Detailed CV including a motivation profile highlighting skills, highest achievement, and a short message explaining why the application should be considered.
• Driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Supporting documents and certified proof of qualifications.