Cape Town Region: Project Manager – Precast Concrete Wall Erection posted by Unique Personnel Ltd

About the Role

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 in Cape Town. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent proven experience).
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in construction, with at least 2 years specifically in civil/infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record managing precast concrete projects (walls, panels, structural elements) or similar heavy civil works.
• Strong understanding of health & safety legislation (OHSA, Construction Regulations) and risk management in high-hazard environments.

Qualifications

• Valid drivers licence.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: [Salary amount] per annum.