Lead Engineer: Contracts

LEAD ENGINEER: CONTRACTS, CAPE TOWN

Reporting directly to the Executive Manager: Transportation – Cape Town

BACKGROUND

The successful candidate will form part of the Transportation team to deliver ad-hoc pavement design assistance and contract management on roads projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The successful candidate will develop and deliver projects through various stages of design from feasibility studies to detailed design, contractor procurement, contract documentation and contract administration during construction.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• BSc / BEng / BTech in Civil engineering with Professional registration as a Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• 10 years' experience in the civil consulting engineering industry.
• At least 5 years' relevant experience (after obtaining professional registration) as a Contracts Engineer on road / runway / taxiway rehabilitation and/or new surfaced roads projects. Experience in pavement investigations and design will be advantageous.
• Strong technical skills in civil engineering, with a focus on road construction and infrastructure projects.
• Administrative and human resource management experience with excellent leadership skills.
• Extensive experience in the use of SAICE GCC and FIDIC forms of contract. Experience in NEC and JBCC will be advantageous.
• Specific experience related to construction monitoring and contract administration of roads (gravel and surfaced) and/or airport projects.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of the function and pavement engineering principals (Rigid Pavement and Flexible Pavements), pavement failures, pavement investigations and pavement material test methods.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction designs such as surfacing seal designs, asphalt designs, cement stabilization designs and concrete designs.
• Strong knowledge of materials behavior related standard specifications.
• Strong knowledge of roads construction, maintenance and rehabilitation practices.
• Experience in tender processes, contract documentation, and claims handling.
• Negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Experience in South African construction law and contract regulations.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills coupled with a sense of urgency and a participative management style to interact with contractors, clients, and team members.
• Computer literacy in MS Office, MS Projects, Contract Management tools. Capabilities in Pavement modelling software will be advantageous.
• Have a keen eye for detail, organized and work accurately under pressure.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team and meet deadlines.
• Confidence to seek clarification of instructions and work scope.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel locally and in Africa for extended periods of time as and when required.
• Valid South African driver's license (minimum Code B) without restrictions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular liaison and reporting to the Executive Manager or other Responsible Person as per project requirements.
• Procure professional sub service providers and management thereof.
• Co-ordinate and supervise the production of site designs and reporting inputs by supporting staff.
• Work in a team to perform and assist with airfield and road pavement investigations, desktop studies and pavement analysis.
• Scheduling and coordinating laboratory and in-field investigations and testing.
• The production of ad-hoc pavement designs and design reports using relevant standards for multiple projects at any given time.
• Prepare tender documentation including detailed specifications, general conditions of contract and schedules of quantities.
• Contribute to technical innovation to improve engineering efficiency and / or design solutions.
• Attend client and technical meetings and compile minutes as and when required.
• Review of Subcontractor Tender and Quotation Documentation and tender evaluations.
• Review and finalise the Contractor's monthly payment certificates and reporting.
• Confirm Contractor's daily plant and equipment on site and daily production rates.
• Compilation of estimate final project costs and monthly updates.
• Project financial management and reporting.
• Contract administration during construction and close out phase of project.
• Compile and/or review close out reports.
• Review as-built data and drawings.
• Dealing with contractual claims and disputes.
• Client liaison, including meetings and reporting.
• Manage the technical outputs of direct reports.
• Management and supervision of direct reports.
• Mentor graduate engineers, technologists and technicians.
• Maintain regular and continued professional development through on the job training, in-house courses, seminars or outsourced specialist training.
• Participate in professional organizations for marketing, industry recognition and networking.
• Keep abreast with technology development and research in the field of construction materials, mix designs, seal designs and construction methodology.
• Compliance with and managing direct reports compliance with the company's Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015) Business Management System (BMS) and the Project Management Online Guide (PMOG).