Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering the company’s capital projects from concept and feasibility through implementation, commissioning and handover, while also driving continuous improvement projects within the manufacturing environment. The role ensures projects are completed safely, within approved scope, budget and schedule, and in line with operational requirements, quality standards and legislation. It works closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, suppliers and contractors on installations, facility expansions, infrastructure, process improvements, equipment upgrades and other capital investments.

Main Responsibilities:

Capital Project Planning and Portfolio Management

• Manage capital projects across the full lifecycle, from initiation to close-out.
• Define and document project objectives, scope, deliverables, budgets, schedules, resources, dependencies, constraints and risks with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate feasibility studies, site assessments, technical evaluations and risk assessments, and prepare project plans, cost estimates, proposals and business cases for approval.
• Maintain an overview of current and planned projects, including the overall site plan, future developments and the capital project pipeline.
  
• Be involved in the Global Capital expenditure projects at the same level as the local projects from a remote location.
  
• Support project prioritisation and annual and longer-term capital expenditure planning, and maintain consistent project processes, templates and reporting standards.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.

Project Execution and Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate project design, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning across facilities, infrastructure, utilities, production and processing equipment, laboratories, warehouses and other operational assets.
• Coordinate internal departments, contractors, consultants, suppliers and service providers, and act as the main point of contact for assigned projects.
• Monitor progress against approved plans, budgets and schedules through site visits, progress meetings and accurate reporting on costs, risks and challenges.
• Document decisions and actions, manage stakeholder expectations and address delays, technical challenges and scope deviations through appropriate corrective action.
• Escalate significant risks, delays, budget concerns and scope changes, while minimising disruption to ongoing operations.

Budget Procurement and Contractor Management

• Prepare and manage project budgets, capital expenditure forecasts, commitments, expenditure and cash flow within approved authority levels.
• Develop scopes of work and technical specifications, and obtain and evaluate quotations, tenders and technical proposals based on suitability, cost, quality and delivery capability.
• Participate in selecting, appointing and contracting consultants, contractors, suppliers and other service providers.
• Manage service-provider performance and compliance with contractual, safety, quality and legal requirements, addressing concerns and deviations promptly.
• Review claims, invoices and payment milestones; identify potential overruns; and verify completed work against agreed specifications before approval and payment.

Technical Quality and Process Optimisation

• Review and understand basic technical drawings, designs, layouts, equipment specifications and engineering documentation prepared by consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Use basic CAD functionality to prepare or update simple facility and equipment layouts and illustrate proposed changes to equipment positioning, work areas and process flows.
• Apply engineering principles to improve facility layouts, process flows, workflow efficiency, material movement, equipment placement and the use of space and resources.
• Assess processes and facilities for opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, safety and operational performance, while allowing for future requirements, expansion and changing business needs.
• Coordinate engineering and operational input to ensure proposed solutions are practical, efficient and fit for purpose.
• Monitor materials, equipment, workmanship and installations; coordinate inspections, testing, commissioning and performance verification; and resolve defects before handover.
• Maintain appropriate project, technical and asset documentation.
• Assist the Maintenance team with their maintenance optimization strategy and cost improvement plans.

Health Safety Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure projects comply with applicable health, safety, environmental, building and engineering legislation, company SHE requirements, and site procedures
• Coordinate risk assessments, method statements, permits, safety documentation, statutory approvals and certifications.
• Monitor safety performance and address unsafe practices, non-conformances and compliance concerns immediately.

Commissioning and Project Close-Out

• Develop and coordinate commissioning and handover plans, ensuring equipment, installations and facilities are tested and operational before handover.
• Coordinate training for employees who will operate or maintain new equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure operating manuals, warranties, certificates, drawings and maintenance requirements are received and filed.
• Manage snag lists and outstanding work, and complete close-out reports covering final costs and lessons learned.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to confirm that project objectives and expected benefits were achieved.

Skills and Capabilities

• Capital project, portfolio, planning and scheduling expertise, supported by sound engineering and technical understanding.
• Budgeting, cost control, commercial awareness, procurement, tender, contract and contractor management.
• Risk management, health and safety compliance, and quality management.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, planning and organisational ability, with attention to detail.
• Effective stakeholder management, negotiation, written and verbal communication, report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, take ownership and perform under pressure.

Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A postgraduate qualification or certification in Project Management will be advantageous.
• Professional registration, or eligibility for registration, with an appropriate engineering body will be advantageous.

Experience

• At least five years’ relevant project management experience, preferably in capital, engineering, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing or equipment installation projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects from concept and feasibility through commissioning and handover.
• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, contractors, suppliers and technical service providers.
• Experience preparing scopes of work, technical specifications, budgets and project reports, as well as procurement, tender evaluation and contract management.
• Experience in an agricultural, manufacturing, processing, laboratory or related operational environment will be advantageous
• Proficiency in project management software and relevant Microsoft Office applications.

Other specific requirements

• Willingness to travel between company sites and project locations and to work outside normal business hours when project activities require it.
• Ability to work in office, operational, construction and industrial environments.
• Commitment to safe working practices and company policies.
• A valid driver’s license.