Project Manager – Industrial Automation

About the role

The Project Manager will lead industrial automation, process control and electrical engineering projects from concept to commissioning in Somerset West, Cape Town. You will ensure complex systems – from low‑voltage distribution boards and Motor Control Centers to PLC, SCADA and cloud‑based data historisation platforms – are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest technical standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and manage the full project lifecycle: scope definition, detailed design, in‑house panel manufacturing, software development, installation and site commissioning.
• Develop and maintain master schedules, Gantt charts and resource allocation matrices.
• Lead cross‑functional teams of Automation Engineers, Electrical Designers, Panel Builders and Site Installers.
• Control project finances, forecast budgets, monitor costs, analyse variances and manage cash flow.
• Oversee procurement of specialised hardware (Siemens, Allen Bradley PLCs, switchgear, variable speed drives) and software licences (AVEVA, Canary Historian, Flow Reporting).
• Act as the single point of contact for clients in water & wastewater, food & beverage, packaging and biogas sectors, providing regular technical and financial updates.
• Ensure LV distribution and 400 V MCC designs comply with local and international standards and supervise FAT/SAT testing.
• Enforce health, safety and compliance standards on all field installations.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing industrial automation or electrical engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of PLC architecture (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen Bradley) and SCADA/industrial software platforms.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with client stakeholders.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and contract variation management.

Required skills

• Siemens PLC
• Allen Bradley PLC
• SCADA systems
• AVEVA software
• Canary Historian
• Variable speed drives
• Switchgear
• Low‑voltage distribution
• Motor Control Centers (MCC)
• Human‑Machine Interface (HMI)