Head of Department - Water Division

Head of Department - Water Division

RPO Recruitment’s client, a leading multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm, is seeking an accomplished Head of Department to lead and grow its Water Division. This is an executive-level opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about delivering complex water infrastructure projects while driving technical excellence, business growth and high-performing teams across multiple regions. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction to the Water Department, oversee the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects and play a key role in developing long-term client relationships and expanding the firm's presence within the water sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Water Department across multiple offices.
• Oversee the planning, design and successful delivery of water infrastructure projects.
• Manage technical teams, project managers and construction support personnel to ensure consistent project execution.
• Drive technical quality, innovation and compliance with engineering standards and quality management systems.
• Monitor departmental financial performance, including budgets, profitability, forecasting and resource planning.
• Lead business development initiatives, client engagement and the preparation of major proposals and tenders.
• Provide senior technical guidance on complex engineering challenges and high-profile projects.
• Ensure effective project governance, contractual compliance and risk management across the department.
• Develop and mentor engineering professionals while supporting professional registration and career development.
• Promote collaboration between regional teams to maximise technical capability and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, authorities, contractors and key project stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to expand the firm's Water portfolio and strengthen its market presence.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Civil Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr Eng is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years' consulting engineering experience within the water sector.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Extensive experience delivering major water infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, contractual matters and commercial performance.
• Established relationships with municipalities, water boards and other public sector clients will be advantageous. Significant experience in the planning, design and delivery of major water infrastructure projects, including:
• Bulk water supply systems
• Water treatment works
• Wastewater treatment works
• Dams and dam safety projects
• Reservoirs
• Pump stations
• Bulk pipelines
• Hydraulic infrastructure
• Municipal water and sanitation projects
• Strong leadership with the ability to inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional planning and decision-making abilities.
• Strong client-facing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of technical credibility within the consulting engineering industry.
• Results-driven with excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Committed to delivering quality engineering solutions while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications