Liabilities & Litigation Claims Specialist

Job category : Construction Project Management

Contract : Permanent

Remuneration : Market Related

EE position : Yes

Introduction: To oversee the successful planning, execution, monitoring, and completion of construction projects funded by the NEF, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Execution: Develop comprehensive project plans that detail all aspects of a project including scope, timelines, cost estimates, resource requirements, and risk management plans. Coordinate and oversee all project activities, ensuring adherence to project plans and specifications. Assist in establishing a client's requirements and undertaking feasibility studies.
2. Cost Management: Prepare and manage budgets for construction projects. Prepare and analyse costings for tenders. Manage costs on a wide variety of new building projects and structures, such as residential developments, sports stadiums, roads and bridges, hospitals, offices and factories. Undertake costs analysis for repair and maintenance project work. Prepare early-stage budgets and detailed cost plans. Perform risk and value management and cost control. Establish and operate cost and financial control systems. Monitor project expenditures and identify potential cost overruns early. Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality and safety. At feasibility stage, ensure that the bills of quantities and construction methods are adhered to and provide advice to the project owners and financiers on the most economical way of achieving the best outcomes.
3. Quality Assurance: Develop and enforce quality control processes and standards. Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with quality standards. Address any quality issues promptly and effectively. Produce depreciation schedules of the various project components and advise on realistic insurance replacement costs. Valuing completed work and arranging payments.
4. Contractor and Stakeholder Management: Advise on procurement strategy. Prepare tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities. Evaluate and select qualified contractors and subcontractors. Allocate work to subcontractors. Manage contractor performance and ensure adherence to contracts. Maintain strong communication and relationships with all project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Maintain awareness of the different building contracts in current use. Work closely with architects, financiers, engineers, contractors, suppliers, project owners, accountants, insurance underwriters, legal professionals and with all other relevant authorities. Develop knowledge relevant to contract conditions and their applications. Provide advice on contractual claims.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Act as a project manager for the project and provide guidance on the implications of health and safety regulations. Ensure all projects comply with municipal by-laws, building codes, and other relevant regulations. Obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction projects. Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. Identify, analyse and develop responses to commercial risks. Monitor and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular progress reports for senior management and stakeholders. Analyse outcomes and write detailed progress reports. Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including contracts, change orders, and inspection reports.
7. Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the project team. Foster a collaborative and positive working environment.
8. Performance Metrics: Projects completed on time and within budget. Quality standards met or exceeded compliance with all regulatory requirements. Stakeholder satisfaction and positive feedback. Effective risk management with minimal impact on project delivery.

Based at NEF headquarters with frequent travel to project sites. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Qualification Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a relevant field.
2. Professional certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2 or equivalent.
3. Registration with relevant professional bodies (e.g., ECSA for engineers, SACPCMP for project managers, SACQSP for quantity surveyors).
4. Registered member of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) is advantageous.

Experience / Skills Required:

1. Minimum of 10 years' experience in managing large-scale construction projects.
2. Proven track record of managing projects within budget and time constraints.
3. Experience in dealing with regulatory compliance and municipal by-laws.
4. Extensive experience in working with contractors and subcontractors, including evaluating their qualifications and performance.
5. Strong project management skills including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
6. Excellent knowledge of construction methods, materials, and legal regulations.
7. Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
8. Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
9. Strong communication and leadership abilities.
10. Ability to perform risk management and mitigation.
11. Credit experience is essential, including corporate restructurings and financial analysis.
12. Cost planning, estimating and cost analysis.
13. Cost-in-use studies and value management to establish a project budget.

Personal Attributes / Behaviours / Attitudes:

Developing a well-defined project program / schedule.