Role Purpose

Leroy Merlin South Africa is seeking an experienced, highly analytical and assertive Senior Project Construction Manager to oversee the end-to-end construction of our large format retail stores across South Africa. You will be responsible for ensuring that all construction projects meet Leroy Merlin’s global standards and technical specifications, delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the construction of new stores from breaking ground to hand over.

• Ensure strict compliance with Leroy Merlin’s technical specifications (cahier des charges) and South African building regulations (SANS, JBCC contracts).

• Drive on-site progress, quality control, and safety (HSE standards).

• Perform cost analyses, scrutinize Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and challenge budget estimates.

• Identify cost saving opportunities (Value Engineering) without compromising quality or safety.

• Manage variation orders (VOs) and negotiate pricing adjustments with contractors.

• Challenge and manage main contractors, sub-contractors, structural engineers, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) specialists across all trades.

• Lead regular site meetings, audit performance, and resolve technical disputes assertively.

• Maintain transparent reporting on timelines, costs, and risks to local executive leadership and international group stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree / Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or Architecture.

• Registration with SACPCMP, ECSA, or SACAP is highly desirable.

• Minimum 5 to 8 years of hands on experience in commercial/retail construction management in South Africa.

• Proven track record of managing large scale retail projects (e.g., shopping centres, big-box retail stores, major logistics hubs).

• Deep understanding of South African building contracts (JBCC, NEC, FIDIC).

• Advanced financial acumen in construction procurement and cost management.