Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and delivery-focused Project Manager to lead the planning, contractual administration, execution, and handover of fire protection projects. The successful candidate will take responsibility for full project lifecycle delivery, including programme management, commercial control, subcontractor management, SHEQ compliance, contractual administration, technical coordination, commissioning, and client engagement.
This role requires a strong project leader who can manage multiple stakeholders, protect commercial outcomes, maintain programme and quality performance, and ensure delivery in accordance with contractual, statutory, safety, and industry requirements.
Key ResponsibilitiesProject Planning and Delivery
· Translate awarded scope and client requirements into practical project execution plans with defined milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation.
· Plan, manage, and deliver fire protection projects in line with programme, budget, quality, and contractual obligations.
· Maintain and track project schedules using MS Project and monitor progress against key milestones.
· Coordinate site establishment, sequencing, and phased project execution.
· Oversee project implementation and proactively identify delays, risks, inefficiencies, and required corrective actions.
· Manage testing, flushing, commissioning, snag resolution, handover documentation, and final close-out.
Contractual Administration
· Administer contracts through the full project lifecycle.
· Execute projects in alignment with JBCC, FIDIC, NEC, and other applicable contractual frameworks.
· Draft, issue, and manage contractual correspondence including notices, instructions, early warnings, delay notifications, and related records.
· Manage claims, variations, extension of time submissions, and associated commercial recoveries.
· Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks.
· Ensure subcontractor contractual alignment and compliance with main contract requirements.
· Maintain accurate contractual documentation and complete project record-keeping.
Commercial and Financial Management
· Prepare, manage, and control project budgets and cost forecasts.
· Monitor financial performance across projects and take corrective action to protect margin and profitability.
· Manage progress claims, invoicing, valuations, supplier payment assessments, and cost tracking.
· Prevent cost overruns, enforce recoveries, and manage financial exposure.
· Assist with monthly valuations, final accounts, and financial reporting.
· Maintain project gross profit and commercial discipline throughout the project lifecycle.
Technical and Operational Management
· Manage the installation and commissioning of fire protection systems including sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, pumps, tanks, detection, suppression, and associated infrastructure.
· Coordinate civil and builder’s work interfaces including trenches, plinths, equipment and pump bases, fire tank foundations, pump houses, and ICV buildings.
· Ensure works are carried out in accordance with technical specifications, approved drawings, method statements, and project requirements.
· Provide technical input for tender submissions, planning, and execution strategy.
· Attend inspections and coordinate close-out of technical and compliance-related findings.
Subcontractor and Supplier Management
· Appoint, coordinate, supervise, and manage subcontractors and service providers.
· Conduct supplier evaluations and procurement approval support where required.
· Manage subcontractor productivity, quality, and performance against programme and contractual obligations.
· Ensure subcontractor compliance with safety standards, project deliverables, and quality expectations.
· Lead weekly coordination meetings and drive accountability for actions and deadlines.
SHEQ and Compliance
· Prepare and review risk assessments and method statements.
· Ensure SHEQ compliance across all project activities and maintain high safety standards on site.
· Enforce strict site safety requirements and ensure full compliance with safety files and site procedures.
· Conduct toolbox talks, safety audits, and compliance reviews.
· Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and ensure close-out of findings.
· Support and maintain compliance with applicable legislation, SANS standards, ASIB requirements, and client-specific safety obligations.
Client and Stakeholder Management
· Maintain professional and effective communication with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
· Manage customer expectations through proactive communication and delivery management.
· Present reports, progress updates, commercial status, risks, and recovery plans to management and clients.
· Support business development by identifying opportunities for follow-on work, repeat business, and referrals.
Minimum RequirementsQualifications
· National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Technology, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related technical discipline.
· A recognised formal project management qualification is essential, such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner, or an equivalent formal project management certification.
· Fire protection qualifications and industry registrations will be advantageous.
Experience
· Minimum 5–7 years’ relevant project management experience, preferably within fire protection, mechanical services, construction, or related technical project environments.
· Proven experience in managing medium- to large-scale projects from award through completion and handover.
· Demonstrated experience in contract administration, claims, variations, EOTs, and project commercial management.
· Practical experience in the installation, commissioning, and handover of fire protection systems and associated civil works.
· Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers, commissioning activities, and site-based delivery teams.
Technical Knowledge
· Working knowledge of JBCC, FIDIC, and NEC contract frameworks.
· Strong understanding of project budgeting, cost control, profitability tracking, valuations, and recoveries.
· Good knowledge of MS Project and programme management principles.
· Sound understanding of SANS, ASIB, and applicable fire protection industry standards.
· Knowledge of SHEQ requirements relevant to project and construction site execution.
· Strong written communication skills for contractual correspondence, reporting, and record-keeping.
Other Requirements
· Valid driver’s licence.
· Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
Key Competencies
- Strong planning and execution ability.
- Commercial and contractual awareness.
- Programme and deadline management.
- Risk identification and mitigation.
- Leadership and accountability.
- Technical coordination and problem-solving.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- Client and stakeholder management.
- Quality and compliance focus.
- Strong administrative and record-keeping discipline.
Key Performance Indicators
· Delivery against approved MS Project programme.
· Achievement of key project milestones.
· Maintenance of project gross profit.
· Recovery of approved variations, claims, and EOTs.
· Adherence to approved budgets and cost targets.
· Zero missed contractual notices or late formal submissions.
· Accurate project documentation and contractual record-keeping.
· Successful commissioning, snag close-out, and handover within required timeframes.
· Compliance with SANS, ASIB, contract, and client requirements.
· Zero ASIB inspection failures attributable to project execution.
· 100% compliance with safety file and SHEQ requirements.
· Zero reportable incidents under project control.
· Reduction in NCRs and repeat defects.
· Improved subcontractor productivity and quality performance.
· Positive client feedback, repeat work, and referral opportunities.
Work Location: In person
