Head Of Department: Building

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head up our Building Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic, operational, commercial and financial leadership of the division, overseeing multiple contracts through Contracts Managers and Site Agents to ensure projects are delivered profitably, safely, on programme and to the required quality standards, while meeting compliance and client expectations. The role plays a key part in project selection, tender strategy, business development, client engagement, transformation and talent leadership, intervening decisively where projects underperform by directing recovery strategies.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Building Division, translating business objectives into measurable divisional targets.
• Drive proactive work procurement, evaluate market opportunities and lead high-stakes tender strategies and bid/no-bid decisions to successfully secure a profitable, multi-year divisional order book.
• Lead executive-level client and professional team relationships, resolve escalated disputes and act as executive sponsor on flagship projects.
• Provide operational oversight across multiple contracts by holding Contracts Managers accountable, reviewing performance (cost, programme, safety, quality) and directing recovery plans where required.
• Own divisional financial and commercial governance: budgets, forecasts, margin protection and accurate reporting, support high-value claims and variations.
• Oversee claims and dispute strategy at divisional level, safeguarding commercial and reputational interests.
• Ensure legal, risk and compliance leadership across the division, including ethical and transparent governance.
• Champion health, safety and environmental performance and accountability across all projects.
• Lead procurement and supply chain strategy (subcontractor frameworks, supplier relationships, performance monitoring and transformation compliance).
• Guide capital investment and resource planning decisions aligned to divisional growth and return on investment.
• Drive digital transformation and innovation (e.g., BIM, dashboards and quality assurance applications) to improve delivery performance.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing leadership team, lead a culture of accountability and performance excellence.
• Embed ethical leadership and a strong divisional culture and address ethical breaches decisively.
• Drive SMME development and transformation integration across divisional and project delivery.
• Represent the division with stakeholders, communities and industry bodies and protect and strengthen the organisation's reputation.
• Lead crisis management readiness and business continuity planning at divisional level.

Education:

• Recognised degree qualification in Building or Construction Management.
• Advantageous: additional degree-level qualification in Business Management.

Experience:

• Minimum 10+ years' progressive leadership experience managing commercial and residential building portfolios, including 3-5 years operating at a Senior Divisional or Executive level across multiple contracts over a wide geographical area.
• Advantageous: Proven capability managing the financial, operational, procurement and strategic outcomes of a construction division, including tendering, compliance and cross-functional leadership.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of building construction principles and contract frameworks (including JBCC and FIDIC suites), procurement and subcontractor-heavy delivery models.
• Financial and commercial management capability (budgeting, cash flow, margin control, management accounting).
• Strong legal compliance and governance awareness (OHS/Construction Regulations, environmental, labour and information legislation).
• Strategic planning and execution, executive stakeholder management, negotiation, claims/dispute oversight, tender evaluation and business development.

Professional Registration:

• Advantageous: Professional registration (ASAQS, SACPCMP and/or ECSA).

Personal Attributes:

• Ethical and integrity driven.
• Accountable, decisive and results-oriented; resilient under pressure.
• Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.
• Passionate about developing people and committed to transformation.
• Commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation.
• Strategic and commercial acumen.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.