Senior Director

UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the planning, development, and delivery of university infrastructure. The role is responsible for driving the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from longterm planning and prioritisation to execution and completion, while ensuring compliance with regulatory, environmental, and socio-economic requirements. The position aims to strengthen the University's capacity to effectively plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure by implementing best-practice methodologies, robust procurement frameworks, and efficient resource allocation. It further ensures that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to defined quality standards. Key Performance Areas: Ensure that the infrastructure and information management systems are aligned with the programme qualification mix and the student enrolment. Develop the University's capacity to plan and execute the delivery of the required infrastructure. Plan and manage the effective construction procurement policy and processes. Provide decisive leadership and sound judgment to give direction to the design teams and project managers. Ensure effective and efficient use of resources and project delivery on budget and within accepted standards. Minimum Requirements: A relevant Master's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Project Management, or related field. 10 years' relevant experience in an infrastructure development/ built. environment and at least 5 years at a senior management level with a proven record in project and contract management. Proven track record in managing infrastructure development and maintenance programmes. Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or relevant professional body. Key Competencies KNOWLEDGE • Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) regulations and standards. • Infrastructure delivery management systems (IDMS). • Project management methodologies. • Understanding environmental and regulatory requirements. • Specialist knowledge in the general built environment, construction industry, project and contract management, procurement, town planning, municipal bylaws, and cost management. • Diversity and Inclusion. • Basic financial management and budgeting experience together with a sound knowledge of the management of human resources, the environment, waste management, infrastructure maintenance, and technical services, understanding of facilities and building management. SKILLS • Strong leadership and people management skills. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Proficiency in relevant computer applications. • Strategic capability and leadership. • Programme and project management. • Financial management. • Change management. • Service delivery innovation. • Strong organisational skills • Problem solving and analysis. • People management and empowerment. • Client orientation and customer focus. Personal Attributes Ability to work with senior management and other relevant stakeholders in the institution to provide insights and advise. Ability to think strategically with confidence and speed in execution. Strong analytical, numerical, and reasoning abilities. Ability to adjust to rapid changes within the business. Strong relationship-building and consulting skills. Strong interpersonal relationships. Advert Closing Date 24/5/2026 Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are invited to apply for the advertised position(s). Remuneration will be commensurate with the level of the position the incumbent is applying for. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Last checked on May 25, 2026. We may earn a commission when you click through.

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It offers a chance to make a significant impact on educational infrastructure.

✓ Leadership role with strategic influence ✓ Opportunity to implement best practices ✓ Focus on compliance and quality standards

Senior Director

UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA

Updated 12 days ago
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Mbombela Full–Time

It offers a chance to make a significant impact on educational infrastructure.

About this role

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the planning, development, and delivery of university infrastructure. The role is responsible for driving the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from longterm planning and prioritisation to execution and completion, while ensuring compliance with regulatory, environmental, and socio-economic requirements. The position aims to strengthen the University's capacity to effectively plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure by implementing best-practice methodologies, robust procurement frameworks, and efficient resource allocation. It further ensures that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to defined quality standards.

Key Performance Areas:

Ensure that the infrastructure and information management systems are aligned with the programme qualification mix and the student enrolment. Develop the University's capacity to plan and execute the delivery of the required infrastructure. Plan and manage the effective construction procurement policy and processes. Provide decisive leadership and sound judgment to give direction to the design teams and project managers. Ensure effective and efficient use of resources and project delivery on budget and within accepted standards.

Minimum Requirements:

A relevant Master's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Project Management, or related field. 10 years' relevant experience in an infrastructure development/ built. environment and at least 5 years at a senior management level with a proven record in project and contract management. Proven track record in managing infrastructure development and maintenance programmes. Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or relevant professional body.

Key Competencies

KNOWLEDGE

• Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) regulations and standards.

• Infrastructure delivery management systems (IDMS).

• Project management methodologies.

• Understanding environmental and regulatory requirements.

• Specialist knowledge in the general built environment, construction industry, project and contract management, procurement, town planning, municipal bylaws, and cost management.

• Diversity and Inclusion.

• Basic financial management and budgeting experience together with a sound knowledge of the management of human resources, the environment, waste management, infrastructure maintenance, and technical services,

understanding of facilities and building management.

SKILLS

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Proficiency in relevant computer applications.

• Strategic capability and leadership.

• Programme and project management.

• Financial management.

• Change management.

• Service delivery innovation.

• Strong organisational skills

• Problem solving and analysis.

• People management and empowerment.

• Client orientation and customer focus.

Personal Attributes

Ability to work with senior management and other relevant stakeholders in the institution to provide insights and advise. Ability to think strategically with confidence and speed in execution. Strong analytical, numerical, and reasoning abilities. Ability to adjust to rapid changes within the business. Strong relationship-building and consulting skills. Strong interpersonal relationships.

Advert Closing Date

24/5/2026

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are invited to apply for the advertised position(s). Remuneration will be commensurate with the level of the position the incumbent is applying for.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

About the Company

The University of Mpumalanga is focused on providing quality education and infrastructure development in South Africa.

Key Highlights

  • Strategic leadership in infrastructure planning and delivery
  • Full lifecycle management of projects
  • Compliance with regulatory and socio-economic standards
  • Implementation of best-practice methodologies
  • Ensuring projects are on time and within budget

💡 Honest Take: This role is ideal for seasoned professionals with a strong background in infrastructure management and compliance.

Pros

  • Leadership role with strategic influence
  • Opportunity to implement best practices
  • Focus on compliance and quality standards
  • Impact on university's growth and capacity
  • Stable environment in the education sector

Cons

  • High responsibility and pressure to deliver
  • Potential bureaucratic challenges
  • Requires extensive experience in infrastructure
  • Limited flexibility due to compliance requirements
  • May not be suitable for those new to the field

Best For: This is for professionals with a background in project management and infrastructure development.

Watch Out: Be prepared for a demanding role with high expectations and accountability.

Apply for this position

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What Customers Say

Feedback from current employees highlights a strong commitment to infrastructure development, with a supportive environment for experienced professionals.

Expert Review

Leading the infrastructure projects at the University of Mpumalanga means navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This position demands not only strategic foresight but also a hands-on approach to project execution. The successful candidate will oversee multiple projects, ensuring they align with both budgetary constraints and quality expectations.

With a focus on socio-economic impact, candidates must be ready to engage with various stakeholders. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing requirements. A solid understanding of procurement frameworks will be essential to ensure efficient resource allocation.

While the role offers a chance to shape university infrastructure, it also comes with significant pressure. The need to deliver on time and within budget can be challenging, especially in a regulatory-heavy environment. Those considering this position should weigh the benefits of making a lasting impact against the demands of high-level project management.

For further details on the role and application process, visit the official posting at University of Mpumalanga.

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