Vacant Position – Deputy Site Manager: Operations

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 24 July 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

This position is responsible of the overall site management of the Karoo to ensure the availability and reliability of the infrastructure required to keep the radio telescope operating 24 hours every day.

Key Responsibilities:
* Support the Karoo Site Manager in coordinating day-to-day activities of the operational team.
* Demonstrate ability in managing overlapping constraints and jurisdictions for construction on sites.
* Interaction with different teams of professionals to achieve common goals.
* Managing and supporting the maintenance teams to execute their maintenance tasks.
* Compile monthly reports which should include plant performance, plant breakdowns, Health and Safety issues.
* Develop Training on Operational and Maintenance procedures and manuals and Quality Management documentation.
* Ensure the buildings, roads, security and infrastructure supporting the telescope is adequately maintained.
* Ensuring Compliance to Health and Safety requirements
* Attend to, and provide technical advice at the Health and Safety committee meetings;
* Compile annual departmental budget and review bi-annually.
* Control monthly expenditure within budget requirements.
* Managing adherence to allocated budget/expenditure as well as management of contractors in line with SLA·s.
* Ensure adequate resourcing of staff by recruiting and making use of the Human Capital Development Programme to identify suitably qualified resources are available to meet services of the site.
* Appointment as GMR 2(1) in terms of the Machinery regulations.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma in Engineering with a minimum 10 years􀂷􀀃experience in Operations & Maintenance environment OR a Degree in
Engineering with a minimum 8 years􀂷􀀃experience (Electrical or Mechanical)
* Professional registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) within the Building Environment (eligible)
* Meets Minimum Qualification to be appointed as GMR 2(1) – Competent Person (c) or (d) as per the Regulation
* Engineering Management Qualification (advantageous)

Experience:
* 8 to 10 years of related experience post-completion of the appropriate qualification
* A proven experience in an infrastructure development & construction (Roads, Electrical & mechanical, HVAC, water systems,etc) * OR
* A proven experience in infrastructure operations & maintenance environment of the similar equipment (Roads, Buildings,
* Two Way Radio Systems, Fibre, Electrical & mechanical systems, HVAC, Borehole water systems, etc.)
* Experience in working on high-voltage or medium-voltage equipment and applicable switching procedures.
* At least 4 years management or supervisory experience.

Knowledge:
* High or Medium Voltage Switching procedures.
* Thorough knowledge of South African National Standards (SANS) for power supply and distribution;
* Good understanding of South African construction industry legislation;
* Thorough understanding of South African government legislation (PPPFA, PFMA, Occupational Health and Safety Act,
* Environmental Management Act, Construction Industry Board Act and regulations, National Water Act, WUL, Minerals &
* Petroleum Resources Development Act amongst others);
* Good understanding of public sector supply chain management legislation and the implementation thereof;
* Building Management System (BMS) operations & maintenance

Additional Notes:
* Strong leadership and management skills;
* Excellent problem-solving and analytic skills;
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
* Understanding of occupational Health & Safety regulations;
* Understanding of the relevant ISO standards;
* Ability to plan, set goals, manage time, priorities, resources, project schedules and cost;
* Excellent report-writing skills;
* Be thorough and pay attention to detail

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 24 July 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only