Supervisor (Mechanical)

Stefanutti Stocks Western Cape is a leading construction company based in Cape Town, known for our commitment to quality and excellence in the construction industry. We are looking for a skilled and experienced Mechanical Supervisor to join our team on water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Supervisor will coordinate and oversee the production, installation, testing and commissioning of mechanical and piping services at water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and related bulk infrastructure. The role involves working closely with engineers, the civil, electrical and instrumentation teams, suppliers and the client to make sure installations meet specifications, as well as managing site coordination, production and safety on site.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Programming

• Advise on how mechanical installations should be coordinated, sequenced and resourced, in line with the civil, electrical and instrumentation works.
• Interpret and check drawings, including general arrangements, process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), pipework isometrics and supplier drawings, and identify and report any discrepancies.
• Make sure discrepancies, clashes and outstanding information are identified and resolved in good time, before they affect the programme.
• Plan when equipment, pipework, fittings and valves will be delivered, and check that cast-in items, plinths and holding-down bolts are ready before installation starts.
• Help plan shutdowns, tie-ins and connections to existing live plant, together with the client’s operations staff.

Mechanical Installations

• Supervise the installation of pumps, motors, blowers, mixers, aerators and other process equipment.
• Supervise the fabrication and installation of process and bulk pipework in steel, stainless steel, ductile iron, HDPE and uPVC, including flanged, welded, butt-fused and mechanical joints.
• Oversee the installation of valves and fittings, including sluice, butterfly, non-return, air and pressure-reducing valves, actuators, flow meters and surge vessels.
• Coordinate the installation of treatment plant equipment such as screens, grit removal systems, clarifier and thickener mechanisms, filters, chemical dosing systems, and overhead cranes and hoists.
• Make sure equipment is correctly levelled, grouted, aligned (shaft and coupling alignment), torqued and supported, including pipe supports and thrust restraints.
• Coordinate and witness pressure and leak testing, flushing, disinfection, pre-commissioning, commissioning and performance testing with engineers, suppliers and the client.
• Make sure mechanical equipment is received, inspected, stored and protected correctly on site.

Site Administration

• Follow company policies and procedures for site management.
• Monitor subcontractor and supplier progress, and make sure orders for labour, plant and materials are placed on time.
• Prepare and submit daily site diaries, progress, coordination and scheduling reports.
• Keep records of labour, plant and materials, and report on productivity against planned targets.
• Report variations, delays and technical queries (RFIs) to the Site Agent or Project Manager early.

Quality Assurance

• Implement and monitor the Project Quality Plan and inspection and test plans (ITPs) for mechanical works, making sure hold and witness points are respected.
• Inspect workmanship and materials, carry out snagging, and report and follow up corrective actions for non-compliance.
• Compile quality records for handover, including test certificates, pressure test records, alignment reports, operation and maintenance information, and as-built drawings.

SHEQ Assurance

• Maintain site safety standards in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Construction Regulations (2014) and company requirements.
• Make sure working conditions and equipment are safe, and that the correct PPE is issued and used.
• Lead toolbox talks and risk assessments, and make sure permit-to-work systems are followed, particularly for confined spaces, lifting operations, hot work, working at height and isolation/lockout.
• Manage the specific hazards of working on live water and wastewater sites, including hazardous gases, biological hazards and treatment chemicals.
• Make sure environmental controls are in place, including spill prevention and managing bypass pumping and discharges.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and allocate work to fitters, pipe fitters, welders, riggers, plumbers and general workers.
• Train and mentor junior staff and apprentices, and promote teamwork, discipline and accountability on site.

-

Qualifications

• Completion of N2 or N3 (NTC) trade theory.
• Ideally, a completed and passed trade test (Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Millwright, Boilermaker or Plumber), as specified in the Manpower Training Act (section 28 or 13), or a relevant qualification under the Skills Development Act.
• A National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering will be an advantage.
• Health and safety training (e.g. SHE Representative, First Aid, Confined Space Entry) will be an advantage.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Experience

• At least 12 years of related experience in the construction or engineering environment, with at least 8 years supervising mechanical installations at water or wastewater treatment plants, pump stations or bulk water projects.
• Hands-on experience installing, testing and commissioning pumps, pipework, valves and process equipment.
• Candidates may be required to work outside the Western Cape, but their home base will ideally be in Cape Town.

Core Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Mechanical installation: pump and equipment installation, alignment, pipework systems, valves, pressure testing and commissioning.
• Drawing interpretation: reading and interpreting general arrangements, P&IDs, isometrics and supplier drawings.
• Process understanding: a working knowledge of how water and wastewater treatment processes and pump stations work.
• Industry knowledge: mechanical and piping materials, plant, tools and equipment.
• Construction knowledge: construction processes and trades, and how civil, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation work fits together.
• Site administration: site administration systems, reporting and construction team coordination.
• Compliance: health and safety legislation, relevant SANS standards and quality management requirements.

Behavioural Competencies

• Communication: strong written and spoken English.
• Planning and numeracy: good with numbers and strong at planning.
• Problem-solving: solves problems effectively and manages conflict well.
• Drive for results: a proven track record of driving production and making firm decisions.
• Leadership: excellent interpersonal skills and able to delegate effectively.
• Safety commitment: leads by example and does not compromise on safety.
• Teamwork: computer literate and a team player.