Department: Project Management | Reports to: Head, Project
1. Job Purpose
A senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, integration, and performance of utility systems (power, compressed air, water) across industrial, logistics, and agro-processing parks. This role bridges automation, mechatronics, and infrastructure engineering to ensure operational excellence and scalability. The role directs multidisciplinary engineering teams through the design, construction, and commissioning of utility systems supporting industrial operations.
2. Core Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership
- Define and lead engineering strategy for utility systems and automation across all industrial parks.
- Develop five-year utility infrastructure roadmaps aligned with business expansion plans.
- Drive innovation in automation, energy efficiency, and technology adoption.
- Present capital investment proposals and ROI analyses to executive leadership.
- Conduct feasibility studies for new facilities, including site evaluation, utility availability, and capital requirements.
B. Technical Oversight
- Design electrical distribution systems, including MV/LV switchgear, transformers, motor control centres, backup power, and arc flash studies.
- Engineer compressed air systems, including compressor sizing, distribution networks, quality standards (ISO 8573), and leak detection.
- Develop industrial water systems, including process water, cooling towers, steam generation/distribution, condensate recovery, and wastewater pre-treatment.
- Integrate mechatronic systems, including PLC/SCADA platforms, automated controls, and energy management systems.
- Approve technical specifications, drawings, and vendor solutions for utility infrastructure.
C. Project and Portfolio Management
- Manage utility infrastructure projects valued above $2 million, covering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams of 10–25 engineers and technicians across mechanical, electrical, and automation disciplines.
- Collaborate with Project Managers to align utility engineering with project timelines and budgets.
- Review and approve engineering deliverables for EPC contracts.
- Manage risks, compliance, and performance metrics across utility systems.
D. Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with OEMs, contractors, and internal teams to ensure alignment and quality.
- Negotiate utility service agreements and manage vendor relationships.
- Coordinate with operations, maintenance, and production teams to optimise systems.
- Provide executive-level reports on utility system performance and strategic initiatives.
- Establish engineering standards and design guidelines for consistent implementation across multiple sites.
3. Qualifications and Experience
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or HND in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Master's degree is an added advantage.
Professional Requirements
- Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, or equivalent is an advantage.
Experience Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in industrial utility systems engineering.
- 5+ years leading engineering teams and major capital projects.
4. Technical Knowledge and Competencies
Knowledge Requirements
- Power Systems: Load flow analysis, arc flash studies, protective coordination, power quality, generator sizing, and emergency power systems.
- Process Utilities: Compressed air quality and efficiency, steam system design and optimisation, industrial water treatment, and cooling tower design.
- Mechatronics: PLC programming and system architecture, HMI/SCADA development, VFD applications, sensor integration, and predictive maintenance systems.
- Engineering Tools: AutoCAD Electrical/Plant 3D, ETAP/SKM PowerTools, Primavera P6/MS Project.
Skill Requirements
- Proven track record commissioning utility systems for facilities.
- Direct experience with PLC/SCADA implementation and mechatronic system integration.
- Multisite project management experience.
- International project experience in emerging markets is preferred.
Personal Abilities
- Ability to work with little or no supervision.
- Confidentiality and integrity.
- Attention to detail.
- Emotional intelligence.
- Conflict resolution.
- Time management.
5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Project delivery timeliness.
- Budget adherence.
- Quality of deliverables and compliance with agreed standards.
- Stakeholder satisfaction.
- Effective risk management and reduction of project delays and cost overruns.
- Team productivity and coordination.
6. Decision Expectations
- Approve project schedules, resource allocations, and operational changes within delegated authority.
- Recommend high-impact project decisions to senior management or the Head of Projects.
7. Key Contacts
Internal: All staff and the Management Team.
External: Contractors, vendors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
Purpose: Collaboration to ensure project success.
