Construction Manager / General Manager

Introduction

About Us

We are a newly established construction operation, launched off the back of an established shopfitting and fit-out group with a strong footprint in retail, hospitality, and QSR sectors across Southern Africa. Backed by an existing client base and industry network, we're building a lean, high-performing construction team focused on commercial and retail-sector build projects.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Construction Manager to take on a General Manager role for our newly formed construction company. This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a construction operation from the ground up — running the P&L on projects, growing the CIDB grading, establishing the subcontractor base, and ultimately building your own team. You'll operate with real autonomy and a direct stake in the company's growth trajectory.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Site & Project Management:

• Run multiple concurrent commercial/retail fit-out and build sites, managing tight, overlapping timelines.

• Oversee subcontractor coordination, programme management, and variation orders.

• Commercial & Client-Facing Duties:

• Own quoting, tendering, and client relationship management as effectively the P&L lead on projects.

• Build and maintain a subcontractor network across KZN and the broader SADC region.

• Regulatory & Compliance Leadership:

• Act as the appointed Principal Contractor, carrying responsibility for site Health & Safety compliance under the Construction Regulations (OHS Act).

• Lead the company's CIDB registration and grading process, growing capacity from initial registration toward higher contract-value tenders.

• Business Growth:

• Support company setup from a construction-operations perspective, including COIDA, insurance, and compliance requirements.

• Help establish and grow the business using both your own network and warm introductions through our existing retail/QSR client relationships.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: B.Sc/B.Tech/BEng in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or equivalent NQF7+ qualification preferred.

• Professional Registration: SACPCMP registration (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions) as a Professional Construction Manager strongly preferred.

• Health & Safety: Valid Health & Safety competency qualification under the Construction Regulations 2014; comfortable acting as the appointed competent person/Principal Contractor.

• Experience:

• Proven track record in commercial/retail/QSR fit-outs specifically — general residential or civil building experience alone is not a fit.

• Experience running multiple concurrent sites under tight timelines.

• Experience taking a company through CIDB registration and grading is a strong advantage.

• Own or prior company CIDB registration is a plus.

• Attributes: Entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable operating with autonomy, strong commercial acumen alongside technical build knowledge, and established subcontractor relationships in the KZN/SADC region.

Package & Remuneration

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: Market-related remuneration based on experience and technical capability.

• Genuine autonomy to shape the operation — team structure, subcontractor base, and growth direction.

• Backing from an established group with existing retail/QSR client relationships to fast-track early contract wins.

• A seat at the table as the business grows from CIDB Grade 1 upward.

Interested?

How to Apply

Please send your application to hello@linspireprojects.co.za with the subject line "Application: Construction Manager/GM - [Your Name]".

Include

• Your updated CV/Resume.

• A summary of projects you've managed, including contract values and CIDB grading experience (if applicable).

Applications close October 30, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.