Programme Manager

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role overview

The Programme Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of a complex portfolio of infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong leadership, governance, and technical oversight across all phases of programme delivery—from concept to commissioning.

Role responsibilities

Leadership & Programme Delivery

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams including senior engineers, project managers, and technical experts.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and control of multiple infrastructure projects within a unified programme framework.
• Ensure alignment with urban planning, transport policy, and economic development goals.
• Track interdependencies, resolve bottlenecks, and manage phasing across the programme lifecycle.
• Drive contractor performance through inspections, audits, and progress reviews.
• Chair technical meetings and resolve on-site issues with consultants and contractors.

Strategic Oversight & Planning

• Develop and implement programme strategies aligned with organisational and infrastructure development goals.
• Define programme scope, objectives, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• 'Establish and lead programme governance, reporting, and decision-making structures.

Portfolio & Project Governance

• Manage a suite of civil works projects including roads, bridges, and traffic infrastructure.
• Establish programme controls, risk protocols, and reporting systems across the full lifecycle.
• Maintain strong command of programme financials, contracts, compliance frameworks, and control systems.
• Compile executive dashboards, monthly summaries, and client-facing reports.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Interface with government agencies, municipalities, contractors, consultants, and community groups.
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and consultations to ensure transparency and buy-in.
• Manage expectations and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Deliver regular programme updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate programme-level risks and issues.
• Implement quality assurance frameworks and continuous improvement processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes, environmental legislation, and infrastructure standards.
• Maintain robust change control and configuration management practices.

Procurement & Financial Management

• Lead procurement strategy, contract negotiation, and payment approvals.
• Control large CAPEX budgets, forecast expenditures, and manage funding sources.
• Approve engineering designs, method statements, traffic management plans, and construction timelines.

Integration & Operational Oversight

• Ensure integration with existing transport networks, utilities, and smart city infrastructure.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of projects from conceptual design through to commissioning and handover.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum 15 years of programme management experience, with a proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams of senior professionals on complex infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience in infrastructure programme delivery, including CAPEX implementation exceeding R500 million.
• Demonstrated expertise in selecting and managing project controls systems and personnel, as well as engineering management systems across multi-disciplinary projects, particularly for transportation sector clients.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Relevant professional registration Pr.Eng, Pr.CPM or equivalent is required.
• A PMP will be advantageous.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Must be willing to relocate to other African countries, if required by the project.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.