Deputy Site Manager: Operations

About the role

The Deputy Site Manager – Operations will support the Karoo Site Manager in overseeing the day‑to‑day activities that keep the radio telescope running 24/7. This role ensures that all infrastructure, including buildings, roads, security and utility systems, remains reliable and compliant with health and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations of the operational team and manage overlapping construction constraints.
• Lead maintenance teams, schedule tasks and compile monthly performance, breakdown and H&S reports.
• Develop and deliver training on operational, maintenance and quality management procedures.
• Maintain buildings, roads, security systems and other infrastructure supporting the telescope.
• Attend health‑and‑safety committee meetings and provide technical advice.
• Prepare the annual departmental budget, monitor monthly expenditure and control contractor performance against SLAs.
• Recruit and develop staff, leveraging the Human Capital Development Programme.
• Act as a Competent Person for machinery supervision under the General Machinery Regulation.

Required profile

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Engineering.
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• Eligibility for a Government Certificate of Competency (mechanical/electrical) – advantageous management qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in infrastructure development or operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience with medium‑voltage equipment and switching procedures.

Required skills

• Road construction and maintenance
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• HVAC and water‑borehole systems
• Two‑way radio and fibre‑optic communications
• Medium‑voltage equipment handling and switching
• Health and safety compliance
• Budget preparation and expenditure control
• Contractor management