Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director - Building Construction - Johannesburg
R
2 000 000 - 3 000 000
per annum
Johannesburg,
Gauteng
3 days ago
Chief Operating Officer (“COO”)/Managing Director (“MD”)
This is a medium to large mainly Building Construction Company turning over in the region of R2 Billion per annum.
They are looking for an South African Citizen/Permanent Resident.
Job Summary:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for driving the company’s operational excellence, growth, and profitability by overseeing all construction activities, optimizing resources, and ensuring project efficiency – including through effective use of technology.
Reporting to the CEO, the COO leads efforts to secure new work, manage contracts effectively, and mitigate claims. A key focus of the role is maintaining a lean high performing organisation while delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget without excessive corporate overheads.
The COO is a director of the company, works in close collaboration with the Commercial Director, and leads a team of direct reports including a Regional MD (Western Cape), Construction Executives and Managers, Estimating Manager, Plant Manager and HSE Manager.
The position is based just east of Johannesburg at the company head office.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Business Growth & New Work Procurement
• Develop and execute strategies to secure new projects, ensure a sustainable project pipeline, expand the company’s market share in the building and civil construction sector, including identifying new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Oversee the bid and tendering process ensuring competition, profitable and well-structured proposals.
• Build strong relationships with government agencies, developers and other private sector clients to enhance business opportunities.
• Work closely with the relevant team to identify market trends, new sectors, and strategic partnerships.
2. Construction Contract Management & Claims Mitigation
• Ensure the company enters into well-negotiated, risk-mitigated contracts that protect profitability and operational viability.
• Oversee contract execution, ensuring compliance with agreed terms, timelines, and financial controls.
• Implement robust contract administration processes, ensuring change orders, variations, and disputes are managed effectively.
• Proactively manage claims and disputes to minimize financial exposure and legal risks, working closely with legal counsel and project teams.
• Ensure project managers and site teams are well-versed in contract requirements to avoid unnecessary claims or penalties.
3. Operational Excellence & Cost Efficiency
• Ensure efficient project execution with a focus on cost control, productivity, and timely delivery.
• Optimize company resources, ensuring a streamlined, cost-effective structure that maximizes profitability without excessive corporate overhead.
• Champion innovation, adopting new construction technologies, and modern project management methodologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Drive lean operational processes, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency in labour, materials, and supply chain management.
• Monitor project performance through data-driven insights, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
4. Financial & Risk Management
• Work closely with the CFO to maintain tight cost control and ensure accurate forecasting and financial discipline across all operations.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining high-quality and safety standards.
• Manage financial and other risks by ensuring strong contract and payments governance, cash flow management and legal compliance.
5. Innovation & Technology Adoption
• Lead the adoption of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), project management software, and automation to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to embrace new construction techniques and smart building technologies.
• Keep up with industry advancements and integrate best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
6. Leadership, Culture & People Development
• Build and lead high-performing project teams, ensuring strong leadership at all levels.
• Instil a results-driven, performance-oriented culture that values accountability, efficiency, and continuous learning.
• Develop and mentor future leaders, ensuring the company has a strong talent pipeline to support long-term growth.
• Foster collaboration across departments to align operational goals with business objectives.
7. Safety, Quality & Compliance
• Uphold a safety-first culture, ensuring strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ensure all projects meet or exceed quality and compliance standards, avoiding costly delays or rework.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
8. Qualifications & Experience:
• Tertiary qualification (ideally a bachelor’s degree) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. CMP and a SACPCMP, or similar professional registration, would be advantageous.
• 20+ years of experience in the construction industry, mostly within building and civil construction and at least 5 years in a senior (divisional/BU) leadership role.
• Deep experience and expertise in building and/or civil construction, contract management, claims mitigation, and work procurement.
• Proven track-record in delivering profit, driving business growth, improving operational efficiency, and leading innovation in, at least, a medium sized construction company.
• Expertise in modern construction technologies and lean management.
9. Key Competencies:
• Team player with excellent leadership, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Good knowledge of the market and strong business development and contract negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of construction law, contract management, and claims resolution.
• Financial and risk management expertise with a focus on cost efficiency.
• Proficiency in construction management software and data analytics.
• High adaptability in a fast-paced, results-driven environment in modern construction technologies and lean management.
This is a medium to large mainly Building Construction Company turning over in the region of R2 Billion per annum.
They are looking for an South African Citizen/Permanent Resident.
Job Summary:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for driving the company’s operational excellence, growth, and profitability by overseeing all construction activities, optimizing resources, and ensuring project efficiency – including through effective use of technology.
Reporting to the CEO, the COO leads efforts to secure new work, manage contracts effectively, and mitigate claims. A key focus of the role is maintaining a lean high performing organisation while delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget without excessive corporate overheads.
The COO is a director of the company, works in close collaboration with the Commercial Director, and leads a team of direct reports including a Regional MD (Western Cape), Construction Executives and Managers, Estimating Manager, Plant Manager and HSE Manager.
The position is based just east of Johannesburg at the company head office.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Business Growth & New Work Procurement
• Develop and execute strategies to secure new projects, ensure a sustainable project pipeline, expand the company’s market share in the building and civil construction sector, including identifying new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Oversee the bid and tendering process ensuring competition, profitable and well-structured proposals.
• Build strong relationships with government agencies, developers and other private sector clients to enhance business opportunities.
• Work closely with the relevant team to identify market trends, new sectors, and strategic partnerships.
2. Construction Contract Management & Claims Mitigation
• Ensure the company enters into well-negotiated, risk-mitigated contracts that protect profitability and operational viability.
• Oversee contract execution, ensuring compliance with agreed terms, timelines, and financial controls.
• Implement robust contract administration processes, ensuring change orders, variations, and disputes are managed effectively.
• Proactively manage claims and disputes to minimize financial exposure and legal risks, working closely with legal counsel and project teams.
• Ensure project managers and site teams are well-versed in contract requirements to avoid unnecessary claims or penalties.
3. Operational Excellence & Cost Efficiency
• Ensure efficient project execution with a focus on cost control, productivity, and timely delivery.
• Optimize company resources, ensuring a streamlined, cost-effective structure that maximizes profitability without excessive corporate overhead.
• Champion innovation, adopting new construction technologies, and modern project management methodologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Drive lean operational processes, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency in labour, materials, and supply chain management.
• Monitor project performance through data-driven insights, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
4. Financial & Risk Management
• Work closely with the CFO to maintain tight cost control and ensure accurate forecasting and financial discipline across all operations.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining high-quality and safety standards.
• Manage financial and other risks by ensuring strong contract and payments governance, cash flow management and legal compliance.
5. Innovation & Technology Adoption
• Lead the adoption of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), project management software, and automation to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to embrace new construction techniques and smart building technologies.
• Keep up with industry advancements and integrate best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
6. Leadership, Culture & People Development
• Build and lead high-performing project teams, ensuring strong leadership at all levels.
• Instil a results-driven, performance-oriented culture that values accountability, efficiency, and continuous learning.
• Develop and mentor future leaders, ensuring the company has a strong talent pipeline to support long-term growth.
• Foster collaboration across departments to align operational goals with business objectives.
7. Safety, Quality & Compliance
• Uphold a safety-first culture, ensuring strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ensure all projects meet or exceed quality and compliance standards, avoiding costly delays or rework.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
8. Qualifications & Experience:
• Tertiary qualification (ideally a bachelor’s degree) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. CMP and a SACPCMP, or similar professional registration, would be advantageous.
• 20+ years of experience in the construction industry, mostly within building and civil construction and at least 5 years in a senior (divisional/BU) leadership role.
• Deep experience and expertise in building and/or civil construction, contract management, claims mitigation, and work procurement.
• Proven track-record in delivering profit, driving business growth, improving operational efficiency, and leading innovation in, at least, a medium sized construction company.
• Expertise in modern construction technologies and lean management.
9. Key Competencies:
• Team player with excellent leadership, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Good knowledge of the market and strong business development and contract negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of construction law, contract management, and claims resolution.
• Financial and risk management expertise with a focus on cost efficiency.
• Proficiency in construction management software and data analytics.
• High adaptability in a fast-paced, results-driven environment in modern construction technologies and lean management.
Recruiter: Activeblue Recruitment