Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Location: Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Salary: Competitive

Are you a Civil Engineer with a passion for operations, infrastructure, transport, and people leadership? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where you can solve complex challenges, improve systems, and lead teams to deliver exceptional results?

Franschhoek Wine Tram is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Civil Engineer to join our team in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. This is a unique opportunity to combine engineering expertise with operational leadership in one of South Africa's most iconic tourism experiences.

Role Overview

As the Civil Engineer, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Franschhoek Wine Tram's fleet, railway infrastructure, buildings, workshops, and operational facilities.

You will oversee the maintenance and deployment of our double-deck railway trams, tram buses, terminals, platforms, railway lines, and related equipment while leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for operations, maintenance, logistics, compliance, and infrastructure. You will also play a key role in planning building projects, facility upgrades, installations, and operational improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance, compliance, and deployment of the tram fleet, buses, railway infrastructure, buildings, and operational facilities.
• Oversee workshop operations and manage maintenance teams, contractors, and operational personnel.
• Diagnose and coordinate mechanical, electrical, and structural repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Drive operational efficiency through continuous improvement of systems, logistics, and maintenance processes.
• Plan and oversee infrastructure projects, facility upgrades, and asset improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry regulations, including RSR and other applicable standards.
• Manage inventory, maintenance schedules, operational budgets, suppliers, and service providers.
• Lead, mentor, train, and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and asset management documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
• Proven experience in infrastructure, operations, fleet, facilities, or maintenance management.
• Experience diagnosing and managing mechanical, electrical, and structural maintenance activities.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent planning, organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of transport, engineering, and occupational health and safety legislation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within the transport, rail, tourism, construction, or hospitality sectors will be advantageous.
• Valid Code 10 Driver's Licence.
• Own reliable transport.
• Lives in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl or willing to relocate.

We're looking for someone who is ambitious, energetic, and eager to make this role their own. You'll be practical, solutions-driven, and passionate about improving systems, developing people, and delivering operational excellence. Most importantly, you'll have a willingness to learn the unique nature of our business and grow into a key operational leader within the organisation.

If you're ready to apply your engineering expertise in a role that combines infrastructure, transport, maintenance, operations, and leadership, we'd love to hear from you and help shape the future of one of South Africa's premier tourism experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Franschhoek, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Work Location: In person