Circular 39/124 — Chief Director Engineering Services Jobs in South Africa

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is looking for a Chief Director for Engineering Services at its Head Office in Pretoria. This is a senior leadership role for a registered engineer who can lead engineering design, maintenance and standards across the department’s property portfolio.

About the department and the work

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure manages government property, buildings and construction. Engineering services underpin that work: designs must be sound, buildings and systems must be maintained, and standards must be followed so facilities stay safe, functional and cost-effective.

Role details and duties

The chief director will oversee the development of engineering plans, processes and procedures, and oversee the development and maintenance of professional best practice parameters, quality standards, manuals and guidance on professional standards. The role includes monitoring and ensuring continuous adherence to professional guidelines and standards, managing approvals and audits of new engineering designs in accordance with design principles and theory, ensuring that engineering design efforts and integration across disciplines ensure seamless integration with current technology, and overseeing budgets and timelines for engineering projects. Promoting and enforcing a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with applicable legislation and company policies and procedures, driving continuous improvement of processes, quality and cost to maintain profitability and competitiveness, overseeing the maintenance of engineering operational effectiveness, managing the execution of the maintenance strategy through the provision of appropriate structures, systems and resources, ensuring engineering maintenance standards, specifications and service levels in accordance with departmental objectives to ensure optimum operational availability, monitoring maintenance efficiencies in accordance with departmental goals to direct or redirect engineering services, and ensuring and monitoring compliance with standard operating procedures are also part of the work.

Requirements

• A minimum qualification at NQF level 7, as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority, in engineering or a relevant field of study.
• A minimum of five years of experience at senior managerial level in the engineering field.
• Compulsory professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• Knowledge of engineering best practice project management, extensive knowledge of all engineering aspects of the building and construction environment, the Public Finance Management Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, supply chain management and contract management.
• Skills in decision making, team leadership, analytical ability, creativity, self-management, financial management, communication, computer literacy, planning and organising, negotiation, and problem solving and analysis.
• Personal attributes in programme and project management, engineering design and analysis knowledge, research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, knowledge of legal compliance, technical report writing, creating a high-performance culture, networking, and engineering and professional judgment.

Where to find and apply safely

Use the Apply button on this page, which links to the original Public Works and Infrastructure section of DPSA Circular 39 of 2026. Applications are submitted in the manner named in the original advertisement, with a separate application for each post applied for. Read the full original advertisement before applying, and use only the application route stated there. Never pay for a government job, and never share banking details or passwords with anyone offering to speed up an application.

Practical tips

Lead with your NQF level 7 engineering qualification, ECSA registration and five years at senior managerial level, then show engineering leadership, standards and maintenance experience, with examples of projects and budgets you have led.

How the process works

Applications are assessed against the stated requirements, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to further assessment or interview. Only shortlisted candidates are normally contacted, so keep your contact details up to date.

Important information

This page is informational only and is not the employer. The closing date stated in the source is 20 November 2026 at 16:00. The reference number is 2026/371, and the Circular 39 post number is 39/124. The centre is Head Office, Pretoria, and the salary is R1 554 696 per annum, Level 14, all-inclusive package, structured in accordance with the rules for the Senior Management Service. Confirm the closing date and reference number in the original advertisement before applying.

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