Technical Manager

Employment Type: Permanent

About the Role

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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