Principal Project Manager at Transnet

Position Purpose

• To define the role and responsibilities of the Principal Project Manager (PPM). The PPM, reporting to the General Manager- Capital & Strategic Projects, R&D, CI (GM: C&SP), is accountable for ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of the large programme/ projects. He has the overall accountability for the scope, cost, schedule and quality on all the phases of the programme/ projects. He/ she provides routine and regular feedback to the Project Sponsor(s), GM: C&SP and the programme/ project team on progress, costs, issues or areas of concern. The PPM is a hands-on manager and as such, he will participate in project related activities, as necessary, during the project and will be familiar with all aspects of the project implementation. He/ she has the delegated authority to make decisions and co-ordinate overall needs and direction in liaison with the GM: C&SP. The PPM provides owner’s team direction to the project management of the EPCM Provider/ Contractor; will assist with major issues, problems and policy conflicts; removes obstacles; is active in planning the scope; approves scope changes, signs off major deliverables; and signs off on approvals to proceed to each succeeding project phase as per the PLP process.

Position Outputs

•  Achieve the LTI and injury/incident frequency rate targets as included in the PEP for the project as a whole through demonstrating personal commitment to safety and by implementing systems both in the office and on site to promote safety awareness and create a “safety first” culture. Fulfil statutory obligations as Safety Administrator for areas of responsibility.
•  Ensure that the projects are executed safely and in compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, standing instructions and safe working procedures.
•  Develop an appropriate organisation structure for execution of the project, identify functions necessary, and select appropriately experienced and enthusiastic personnel for specific positions and delegate responsibilities. Identify part-time team members in conjunction with individual Group Leaders.
•  Establish specific policies/procedures relevant to project execution and arrange preparation of the PEP.
•  Ensure that the projects are executed in compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, standing instructions and working procedures.
•  Set goals and objectives, identify priorities, clearly communicate these to team members and appropriate other parties, and provide leadership in their implementation. Motivate, ensure commitment and build a result-oriented team focused on achieving the optimum outcome for Transnet.
•  Direct, control and manage through nominated staff all aspects of the project including in-house engineering, procurement, construction, interfaces, administration functions and all external work undertaking by contractors and consultants throughout the design, supply, construction and commissioning phases of the project.
•  Overview and ensure that work and progress on the project will satisfy the client’s expectations.
•  Maintain a relationship with the client at a senior executive level.
• Maintain and display clear “ownership” and accountability for delivery of the project’s business outcomes.
•  Establish specific policies / procedures relevant to project execution and arrange preparation of the PEP.
•  Ensure initiation and execution of the work is in accordance with the PEP, such that completion of the project is achieved by the authorised completion date, within the authorised budget and equals or exceeds the expected quality.
• Ensure that all communication channels are effectively operating amongst project team members and business units and that co-ordination and co-operation between disciplines is occurring.
•  Co-ordinate the development of a project budget derived from the initial or proposal budget and a corresponding project implementation schedule. Conduct regular project progress and cost estimate review meetings. Responsible for decision regarding short term / long terms and capital versus operating cost trade-off.
•  Ensure the final forecast estimate to completion is updated and maintained and the client is aware at all times of the forecast final cost.  Monitor and measure the work being executed regularly against schedule, milestone deliverables and capital expenditure budgets.
•  Recommend and implement corrective strategies where needed to best meet TPL’s overall project objectives.  Transition the project’s execution phase into its operating phase by implementing the plans for the future running of the business.  Sets the projects goals and business objectives, including scope, cost, time safety, start-up and risk, etc.
•  Ensure adherence to the project’s authorised Scope of Work, monitor scope status and advise the client accordingly.  Defines and delegates the projects roles and assigns levels of approval and authority.  Develops the operating and maintenance strategies and facilitates their input.  Develop plans for projects handover.
•  Be responsible for communication with the client, particularly as regards requests for changes and modifications. Ensure contractual commitments regarding deliverables are met.  Engages in all decision making about the project’s implementation that is not delegated to the Project Manager(s)  Review and approve the monthly project progress report prepared for the client and / or for distribution to other parties.  Provide inputs in writing and submission of Business Cases for approval.
•  Controls the project’s capital and maintains strict controls on variations and contingency. Manages and recommend variants to FFCs and PCNs on PEPs, other than originally stated.  Signs third party procurement contracts within his/ her approved delegated framework limits (DoA) as the Client.
•  Participate and attend Procurement Committee meetings; attend bid clarification meetings; attend and Business Unit Presentation Feedback Sessions.  Support staff development and skills transfer.

Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Mandatory; BSc Eng / B Eng / BSc Honours Construction Man or equivalent Professional Registration as PrCPM in terms of SACPCMP requirements Advantageous: Masters / Bachelors in management related disciplines i.e. MBA, MBL, MSc Project Management, BCom is preferred Professional Registration as Pr Eng in terms of ECSA is preferred. PMP Certification/ equivalent is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 10 years total experience preferably in the hydrocarbon/ petrochemical sectors of which a minimum of 6 years should be in a Senior Project Management position that meets PrCPM registration and minimum 4 years Technical experience within the Liquid Fuels industry Driver licence code B or 8