Vacant Position – SKA MID – Deputy Site Manager

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape

The National Research Foundation (NRF) (www.nrf.ac.za) 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) (www.sarao.ac.za) 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 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.

* The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.

* Join our team as we are hiring for the SKA-Mid Deputy Site Manager, who will report to the Karoo Site Manager and provide support with the daily execution of site construction management activities on the SKA Mid site located in the Karoo and ensure that the work is governed by the South African Site Information & Site Instructions to Contractors.

* The SKA-Mid Deputy Site Manager will form part of a small site management team led by the Site Construction Director who will coordinate SKA construction activities on site. The SKAO NEC Project Managers and Supervisors will be responsible for the management of the various construction contracts and the Site Management Team will work with the Contractors, Project Managers and Supervisors to ensure effective and efficient overall coordination.

* The Site Management Team will also work in close cooperation with the SARAO Site Management Team to coordinate with existing facilities and their ongoing concurrent operation on site and also with the local adjacent communities. The SKA-Mid Deputy Site Manager shall ensure that the SKAO Brand, Values and reputation is upheld on site.

* Purpose:
The role will require full-time presence at the SKA Mid Site in the Karoo with frequent travel to the Science Operations Centre in Cape Town and periodic travel to the GHQ in the United Kingdom, and less frequent possible travel to the other Telescope Host Country and elsewhere will also be expected.

Key Responsibilities:
* Manage a construction site to successfully deliver complex engineering / construction projects in a multi-disciplinary setting
* Manage strict time schedules and evolving priorities in terms of the delivery of a construction project on site;
* Build relationships, work collaboratively and manage complex professional relationships with geographically dispersed teams

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Degree in Engineering (Built Environment) or Construction Management or a closely related field with a minimum of 5 years’ site / construction management experience in a managerial level; or
* National Diploma (or equivalent) in Engineering (Built Environment) or Construction Management or a closely related field with a minimum of 8 years’ site /construction management experience in a managerial level.
* Construction/ Site Management
* Proven track record in managing staff and contractors on construction sites

Experience:
* A proven track record of being part of a team managing a construction site to successfully deliver complex engineering / construction projects in a multi-disciplinary setting;
* Demonstrated ability in managing overlapping constraints and jurisdictions for construction on site;
* A demonstrated ability to manage strict time schedules and evolving priorities in terms of the delivery of a construction project on site;
* Evidence of an ability to build relationships, work collaboratively and manage complex professional relationships with geographically dispersed teams.

Knowledge:
* Project processes

Additional Notes:
Additional education, work experience & personal qualities:
Registered or eligible for registration with a Professional Council (e.g. ECSA, SACPMP);
Demonstrated knowledge of the South African construction industry and regulations;
Good understanding of the South African government legislation (PPPFA, PFMA, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental
Management Act, Construction Industry regulations, National Water Act, Minerals & Petroleum Development Act, amongst others)
Experience in supporting and mentoring teams
Valid Code 8 Driver’s Licence (essential)
Fluent in the English language with excellent oral and written communication skills

Desirable additional skills:
Understanding of construction contracts
Experience in site management of construction projects in Southern Africa
Experience with project management tools such as Primavera or Microsoft Project and with collaboration tools such as Confluence, Jira,
G-Suite, Miro, etc.
Familiarity with the formalism for, and requirements of, quality control environments such as ISO9001
Familiarity with local site conditions which includes local community and socio-economic initiatives
Ability to understand and engage in Afrikaans language (Stakeholder Engagement)

Ability to:
Provide the required management, support and coordination on site
Solve problems and resolve conflict
Ability to operate alone and within a team under pressure
Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
Self-motivating with a positive attitude
Ability to learn new software packages used during construction (e.g. eB, CEMAR)
Proven track record in managing staff and contractor on construction sites

Desirable additional education, work exp. & personal qualities:
Demonstrated knowledge of the South African construction industry legislation and regulations;
Experience in site management of construction projects in Southern Africa Experience in supporting and mentoring teams
Experience with project management tools such as Primavera or Microsoft Project and with collaboration tools such as Confluence, Jira, G-Suite, Miro etc.

Organisational Values
The SKA-Mid Deputy Site Manager will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instill those behaviors in all SKA-Mid staff in South Africa.

SKAO’s values are:
Diversity and Inclusion
Excellence
Collaboration
Creativity and Innovation
Sustainability

SARAO’s values are:
Passion for Excellence
World-class service
People-centered
Respect
Integrity and Ethics
Accountability

Both SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring process.

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: 09 June 2025

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