Director: Infrastructure Planning and Projects
Listing reference: ukzn_000610
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 8 October 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Durban
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications from qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Director: Infrastructure Planning and Projects. This senior role is pivotal in driving the planning, coordination, and delivery of capital infrastructure projects across all five UKZN campuses. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the strategic alignment of infrastructure development with the University’s long-term goals, while overseeing multidisciplinary project teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships, including external service providers and funders.
Job description
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for university-wide infrastructure and project management services.
- Lead capital improvement and major renewal projects from concept to completion.
- Manage relationships with external consultants, contractors, and service providers.
- Develop and implement the Campus Master Plan and ensure alignment with UKZN’s vision and strategic priorities.
- Ensure strict financial oversight of capital project budgets, cash flows, and reporting compliance.
- Lead human resource development and discipline management for internal infrastructure teams.
Minimum requirements
- Master’s degree in Built Environment disciplines and/or sub-disciplines.
- Registration as a Professional Construction Project Manager (SACPCMP), Professional Architect (SACAP), or Professional Engineer (ECSA).
- Ten (10) or more years of relevant post-bachelor’s degree qualification experience managing large-scale (at least R50 million) infrastructure development projects.
- At least five (5) years in a senior role leading the management of multiple, complex, multi-million-rand infrastructure or construction projects, including aspects such as design coordination, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and contract administration.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional professional and technical teams of at least 10 direct and/or indirect reports.
- Strong financial planning, control, and reporting experience.
The closing date for receipt of applications is: 11 July 2025
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
- Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.
