Role: Technical Manager

Location: Gauteng
Employment Type: Permanent

About the Role

A leading scientific and research-focused organisation is seeking an experienced Manager Technical to oversee the operation, maintenance, upgrading, certification, and development of high and maximum containment laboratory facilities and infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with local and international biosafety and biosecurity standards while leading engineering and technical teams that support critical laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operation, maintenance, certification, and continuous improvement of specialised laboratory facilities.

• Provide technical leadership on infrastructure design, upgrading, construction, and capital projects.

• Manage engineering and biocontainment maintenance teams and external service providers.

• Develop and implement maintenance, inspection, certification, and shutdown programmes.

• Oversee departmental operational and capital expenditure budgets.

• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, occupational health, and engineering standards.

• Participate in the development of policies, procedures, emergency response plans, and operational guidelines.

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior management on engineering, biosafety, and facility-related matters.

• Manage mobile laboratory infrastructure and support field deployment initiatives when required.

• Drive continuous improvement through the adoption of emerging technologies and best practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (NQF Level 7).

• Relevant training and certifications in biosafety, biosecurity, or related disciplines would be advantageous.

• Minimum 7 years' post-qualification experience in technical, engineering, or biosafety-related environments.

• At least 5 years' management or supervisory experience overseeing technical operations and maintenance teams.

• Proven experience managing complex facilities, infrastructure projects, maintenance programmes, and contractor performance.

• Strong financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning capability.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and people management

• Strategic planning and execution

• Project and budget management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Planning, organising, and decision-making skills

• Strong technical reporting and documentation capability

• Proficiency in CMMS systems, Microsoft Office, and engineering software packages

• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a highly specialised environment where you will play a key role in managing critical infrastructure, leading technical teams, and contributing to the development of world-class scientific and laboratory facilities.

To apply, please submit your updated CV detailing your relevant qualifications, technical expertise, and leadership experience. Kindly email cleo.govind@isilumo.co.za" rel="noopener noreferrer">cleo.govind@isilumo.co.za