CAPE TOWN BASED
Reports To: General Manager
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to take full responsibility for the successful delivery of a precast concrete wall erection project along an operational railway line. The Project Manager will oversee all aspects of the project from planning through to handover, ensuring completion on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and in full compliance with railway safety regulations, health & safety legislation, and client specifications.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical knowledge of precast concrete construction, proven experience managing subcontractors in infrastructure environments, and with a general understanding of working in live railway corridors.
Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Execution

Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, and resource allocation.  
Coordinate precast element design approvals, manufacturing, transportation logistics, and just-in-time delivery to site.
Manage erection sequencing, temporary works design, and installation methodology for precast concrete wall panels/units adjacent to live railway tracks.
Secure and manage railway possessions, track access permits, and flagman/railway protection arrangements in compliance with relevant railway authority standards (e.g. PRASA, Transnet, or equivalent).

Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management

Select, appoint, and manage subcontractors (including transport companies, erection crews, and specialised rail safety personnel).
Negotiate subcontractor agreements, monitor performance, and administer variations/change orders.
Ensure all subcontractors comply with project specifications, quality plans, and site safety requirements.

Budget & Commercial Management

Prepare, monitor, and control the project budget, including cost forecasting, cash flow management, and value engineering opportunities.
Track and report on project expenditure, variations, and final account negotiations.
Manage risk registers, claims, and dispute resolution processes.

Quality Control & Assurance

Implement and enforce a robust quality management system, including precast unit inspections, erection tolerances, and finish standards.
Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and quality walkthroughs to ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, and industry standards (e.g. SANS, PCI guidelines where applicable).
Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Serve as the primary accountable person for site health & safety.
Develop, implement, and maintain a project-specific Health & Safety Plan, including risk assessments for working near live rail, lifting/erection of heavy precast units, and traffic/possession management.
Ensure full compliance with OHSA, Construction Regulations, railway-specific safety rules (e.g. no unauthorised access within clearance zones, adequate support of units during erection), and any client/railway authority mandates.
Lead daily safety briefings, toolbox talks, and incident investigations; promote a zero-harm culture.

Insurance & Risk Management

Coordinate project insurances (Contract Works, Public Liability, Plant & Equipment, etc.) and ensure all parties are adequately covered.
Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks (technical, commercial, safety, environmental, and programme-related).

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

Prepare and present regular progress reports, including schedule updates, financial status, risk/issues logs, and safety performance metrics, to senior management, clients, and railway stakeholders.
Manage relationships with the client, railway operator, engineers, inspectors, and local authorities.
Lead project meetings, including pre-construction, progress, and close-out meetings.

Project Close-out

Manage final inspections, snag lists, as-built documentation, and handover processes.
Ensure all certifications, warranties, and training for maintenance personnel are provided.
Conduct project review and capture lessons learned for future initiatives