Job Description
RPO Recruitment's client, a leading multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm is seeking an accomplished Head of Department to lead and grow its Water Division.
This is an executive-level opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about delivering complex water infrastructure projects while driving technical excellence, business growth and high-performing teams across multiple regions.
The successful candidate will provide strategic direction to the Water Department, oversee the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects and play a key role in developing long-term client relationships and expanding the firm's presence within the water sector.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Water Department across multiple offices.
Oversee the planning, design and successful delivery of water infrastructure projects.
Manage technical teams, project managers and construction support personnel to ensure consistent project execution.
Drive technical quality, innovation and compliance with engineering standards and quality management systems.
Monitor departmental financial performance, including budgets, profitability, forecasting and resource planning.
Lead business development initiatives, client engagement and the preparation of major proposals and tenders.
Provide senior technical guidance on complex engineering challenges and high-profile projects.
Ensure effective project governance, contractual compliance and risk management across the department.
Develop and mentor engineering professionals while supporting professional registration and career development.
Promote collaboration between regional teams to maximise technical capability and operational efficiency.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, authorities, contractors and key project stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to expand the firm's Water portfolio and strengthen its market presence.
Requirements:
BSc or BEng in Civil Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr Eng is highly preferred.
Minimum of 15 years' consulting engineering experience within the water sector.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Extensive experience delivering major water infrastructure projects.
Strong understanding of project financial management, contractual matters and commercial performance.
Established relationships with municipalities, water boards and other public sector clients will be advantageous.
Significant experience in the planning, design and delivery of major water infrastructure projects, including:
Bulk water supply systems
Water treatment works
Wastewater treatment works
Dams and dam safety projects
Reservoirs
Pump stations
Bulk pipelines
Hydraulic infrastructure
Municipal water and sanitation projects
Strong leadership with the ability to inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
Strategic thinker with exceptional planning and decision-making abilities.
Strong client-facing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
High level of technical credibility within the consulting engineering industry.
Results-driven with excellent organisational and communication skills.
Committed to delivering quality engineering solutions while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Benefits:
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications