Job details

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

With over 90 years of experience, Zutari delivers sustainable water infrastructure that ensures resilience, access, and long-term security.

From dams and pipelines to treatment systems and hydropower, we design and manage water systems that support communities, industries, and ecosystems.

We are looking for professionals committed to safeguarding one of the world’s most critical resources, water.

What kind of talent do we pursue?
We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Shape the Future of Water Resilience

We are seeking an accomplished Technical Director, for our Water Resources Management practice area, to join our growing team. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a highly experienced professional who can provide technical excellence, market leadership, and project delivery oversight across a diverse portfolio of water resources, flood risk management, stormwater, and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing innovative and sustainable solutions that address water security, flood resilience, climate adaptation, and integrated catchment management challenges for public and private sector clients.

Key Role Responsibilities
 

Technical Leadership

• Lead and direct the delivery of complex water resources management projects from feasibility through to detailed design and implementation.
• Provide specialist expertise in:
  • Flood risk assessment and management
  • Stormwater planning, design, and modelling
  • Hydrological and hydraulic analysis
  • Catchment and river basin management
  • Climate change resilience and adaptation
  • Water infrastructure planning and design
• Serve as the technical authority and reviewer for major projects and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international design standards, regulations, and industry best practice.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Develop and grow client relationships across government, municipal, and private sector markets.
• Lead strategic business development initiatives and identify new opportunities.
• Prepare and review technical and commercial proposals, bids, and tenders.
• Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and client engagements.

Project & Team Leadership

• Direct multidisciplinary project teams comprising engineers, hydrologists, environmental specialists, and planners.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical development to junior and senior staff.
• Drive project performance in terms of quality, budget, schedule, and risk management.
• Support the growth and strategic direction of the Water Resources Management practice.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc/BEng) in Civil Engineering.
• Master's Degree in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Hydraulic Engineering, or a related discipline will highly be advantageous.
• Professional registration as a Professional Engineer with ECSA.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years' relevant experience in water resources management within a consulting engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering large-scale infrastructure and water resource projects.
• Extensive experience in:
  • Flood risk assessments and flood mitigation projects
  • Stormwater master planning and drainage design
  • Hydrological and hydraulic modelling
  • Integrated water resources management
  • Catchment and watershed management
  • Water resilience and climate adaptation strategies
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong business development and client relationship management experience.

Technical Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of hydrological and hydraulic modelling software (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, InfoWorks ICM, MIKE Suite, SWMM or equivalent).
• Sound understanding of floodplain management, river engineering, and urban stormwater systems.
• Familiarity with GIS applications and spatial data analysis.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure planning, environmental legislation, and water sector regulations.

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Respected technical expert and industry leader.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capability.
• Innovative approach to solving complex water and climate-related challenges.
• Results-driven with a commitment to excellence and quality.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high-profile and impactful infrastructure projects.
• Influence the future of sustainable water resources management.
• Work with a team of industry-leading professionals.
• Develop innovative solutions that improve resilience to floods, stormwater challenges, and climate change.
• Enjoy a collaborative and growth-focused consulting environment.

Ready to make a lasting impact on the future of water and infrastructure? Apply now and help us deliver sustainable solutions that shape resilient communities and economies.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.