Senior Manager: Technical Services – 22 June

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Forestry,
Fisheries and the Environment, (DFFE) and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative
voice for weather and climate-related services in South Africa and is a member of the World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO) which allows it to fulfil a range of international obligations of the
government. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre
of Excellence, providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable
development and economic growth.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic
person to undertake the role of:

Senior Manager: Technical Services (Readvertisement)
Paterson Grade: D5
TCTC Salary range: R1 139 928 .00 – R1 574 225.00
Ref. WS11/062026
Centre: Centurion

Key Performance Areas:

1. Strategic Leadership and Departmental Management

• Lead and manage the Technical Service Department to deliver on the SAWS mandate.
• Develop and implement departmental strategy, annual plans, and long-term infrastructure
  roadmaps.
• Provide strategic advice to Executive Management and the Board on technical infrastructure
  matters.
• Ensure alignment between Technical Services and other business units (e.g Forecasting,
  Climate Services, Aviation, Commercial Services, ICT).
• Lead the organisational initiatives relating to infrastructure modernisation and digital
  transformation.

2. Infrastructure Management and Operations

• Maintain and support systems and observation infrastructure to ensure the optimal
  functionality, availability, and reliability of the SAWS’s Meteorological infrastructure, e.g.,
  Radar, LDN Infrastructure, Upper air sounding systems, Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)
  and Automatic Rainfall Stations (ARS), and other observational equipment.
• Develop proactive and engineered solutions for corrective action where needed, such as
  failure mode analysis, incident investigations and reporting, as well as mitigation
  implementation.
• Prepare and submit monthly/quarterly and annual Infrastructure Performance Reports.
• Ensure ISO-9001 compliance in all activities.
• Design and develop the process of implementing the Asset Management system in line with
  ISO-55000 and Infrastructure life cycle management as per National Treasury guidelines
• Manage all infrastructure projects and ensure the intended benefits and return on investment
  are realised as per the department and organisation’s plans.
• Maintain the technical facility for the assembly of Automated Weather Systems.
• Ensure business continuity by ensuring the sustainability of SAWS Meteorological
  Infrastructure through a healthy power supply and auxiliary support systems, and
  infrastructure.
• Manage the roll-out of the SAWS’ technical infrastructure projects and support all
  improvements in the infrastructure performance.
• Manage the procurement, installation, and commissioning of the organisation’s technical
  infrastructure.
• Ensure that the SAWS’ meteorological infrastructure meets the WMO standards and
  requirements.
• Develop infrastructure renewal and replacement plans based on asset lifecycle assessments.

Resource Mobilisation and Infrastructure Funding

• Identify funding opportunities to support infrastructure modernisation, resilience, and
  expansion.
• Lead the development of business cases, funding proposals, and grant applications for
  technical infrastructure projects.
• Support and contribute to engagements with development partners, funding agencies,
  research institutions, and strategic partners.
• Develop infrastructure investment proposals aligned with organisational priorities and
  international obligations.
• Support the mobilisation of external funding for observing systems, early warning systems,
  climate services infrastructure, and technical innovation initiatives.
• Monitor and report on the implementation and performance of externally funded
  infrastructure projects.
• Perform cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses for major projects.

4. Innovation, Research and Technology Development

• Monitor emerging technologies and international developments relevant to meteorological
  infrastructure.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry, academia, and research institutions.
• Support research, development, and local technical capability enhancement.
• Cultivate a design and development/innovation culture at Technical Service.
• Develop or source new technology to improve productivity or service delivery, and
  continuous improvement.

5. Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Responsible for the development and implementation of governance, risk, and compliance
  frameworks for the department, in line with the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Management of both internal and external audit findings and maintenance of CAPA registers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, e.g. business continuity plans,
  Occupational Health and Safety, WMO and ISO standards, and so forth.
• Manage, maintain and renew the departmental contracts and Service Level Agreements
  (SLAs).
• Maintain the SAWS’s infrastructure database.
• Manage the department’s Operational Expenditure (OPEX)and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
  budgets.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, procedures, and national infrastructure
  standardisation.

6. People Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team comprising managers, engineers, specialists,
  technologists, and support personnel.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, skills development and skills transfer,
  mentoring and coaching.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
  Promote professional registration and compliance with industry regulations.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent SAWS in WMO technical commissions and expert teams.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead engagement with regulators, service providers and strategic partners.
• Support infrastructure-related commercial initiatives and stakeholder requirements

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• Honours degree or post-graduate qualification (NQF 8) in Engineering or equivalent
  qualification.
• Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Engineering, Infrastructure Management, Operations
  Management, Business Administration, or a related field will be highly advantageous.
• Professional Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
• Minimum 10 – 12 years relevant technical infrastructure experience, of which at least 8 years
  must be in a management role leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Knowledge of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
• A sound understanding of the Infrastructure Life Cycle management, maintenance and support
  environment.
• Experience in the public sector would be an added advantage.
• A leadership/management qualification would be an added advantage.
• A relevant qualification in risk management or project management will be an added
  advantage.

Please Note:
Enquiries for the above-mentioned position must be directed to: Mr. Denny Maluleke, at Tel. (012)
367 6091.
Register as a user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to
apply for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of
qualifications).

Closing Date: 26 June 2026

Note: Recruitment Agency applicant submissions will not be considered

This is an EE position and preference will be given to People living with disabilities and
Females: Africans, Indians, and Coloureds. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted
candidates only. Candidates who have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing
date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The South
African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer.

Record Reference HCM-ADVERT-SMTS2025

We wish you all the best with your applications