Manager: Water Services Authority

About the role

Kouga Local Municipality is advertising an external vacancy for the Manager of its Water Services Authority, effective from 2 October 2026. The manager is overall responsible for all roles and responsibilities linked to the water services authority and water service provision across the municipality, including wastewater treatment works (WWTW) and water treatment works (WTW).

Key responsibilities

• Manage all roles and responsibilities of the water services authority and keep abreast of technological developments and legislation affecting water and sanitation services.
• Develop and review water services by-laws and policies, enforce contracts annually and map changes needed to align with the Water Services Act 108 of 1997.
• Present a conceptual framework of current and future water and sanitation infrastructure interventions to the Director, and implement national targets on health and hygiene, water quality, conservation and infrastructure development.
• Implement a water quality programme, develop an internal water quality testing laboratory and ensure compliance with SANS 241 standards.
• Identify skill gaps, develop training plans and implement HR policies to manage workplace conflict.
• Manage WSA and WSP regulations and contracts, including S.78 processes, and support WSPs with business plans.
• Take part in appointing consultants and contractors, evaluate their progress and costs, and resolve technical conflicts and contractual claims.
• Develop water demand management strategies and policies, and review the Water Services Development Plan.
• Manage revenue collection systems, tariffs, billing, the indigent register and debt collection and credit control.
• Monitor compliance with council policies and budgets, plan refurbishment of schemes and set up databases of water and sanitation infrastructure projects.

Required profile

• B Eng or B Tech in Civil Engineering or equivalent NQF level 7 qualification.
• Fully registered as a Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA.
• 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Code B driving licence.
• Ability to speak, read and write at least two of the official languages of Kouga Municipality (Afrikaans, English and Xhosa).
• Physically fit and able-bodied.

Required skills

• Thorough knowledge of managing a Water Services Authority and engineering project planning and local government sector processes.
• Sound knowledge of research and analytical theory and practice, and good project financial costing skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills, attention to detail and leadership of a multi-disciplinary team.

What we offer

• Salary of R876,274.86 to R1,137,471.30 per annum (excluding benefits).
• Vehicle allowance, pension fund, medical aid subsidy, other standard benefits and a 13th cheque.