TRANSNET is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to take on the role of General Manager: Network Asset Maintenance. This position is key to defining, implementing, and maintaining the long-term vision for railway infrastructure across South Africa, ensuring sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with national development goals.

Purpose of the Role

The General Manager: Network Asset Maintenance will lead the planning, renewal, and modernisation of South Africa’s railway infrastructure. The role is responsible for defining the National Railway Infrastructure Master Plan, identifying long-term infrastructure capacity needs, and driving strategic investment plans. A core responsibility includes ensuring infrastructure is aligned with future operational demands, while also creating opportunities for innovation, localisation, and private sector collaboration. The position plays a crucial role in enabling economic growth and improving the overall performance of the rail network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the implementation of the National Railway Infrastructure Master Plan and long-term infrastructure development strategies.

• Identify and address infrastructure capacity gaps through viable investment and upgrade initiatives.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including operating corridors, train operating companies, municipalities, and customers to drive infrastructure investment and improvements.

• Lead the creation of the National State of Infrastructure report to provide visibility into infrastructure conditions and future needs.

• Define and implement the TRIM Infrastructure Asset Life Cycle Strategy, ensuring it supports business performance and innovation.

• Drive infrastructure cost reduction strategies by eliminating inefficiencies and outdated design constraints through engineering solutions.

• Oversee the planning and execution of railway infrastructure renewal across the national network.

• Establish regional infrastructure standards and ensure reliable, available, and safe infrastructure for operations.

• Develop infrastructure condition monitoring systems and preventive maintenance frameworks.

• Lead skills development programmes to strengthen technical capabilities in infrastructure maintenance and management.

• Implement modernisation strategies including mechanisation, automation, and digital technologies.

• Promote localisation through the development of local suppliers and manufacturers of infrastructure materials and components.

• Develop innovative approaches for revitalising branch lines, municipal rail infrastructure, and underutilised networks to support rural development and economic access.

• Enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption through improved engineering and infrastructure configurations.

• Reduce maintenance costs by optimising the interface between rolling stock and infrastructure systems.

• Oversee the renewal of signalling and train control systems to increase network velocity and reduce energy consumption.

• Develop and implement integrated maintenance strategies to meet current and future infrastructure demands.

• Lead the delivery of bankable capital and operational engineering projects, ensuring quality, cost control, and schedule adherence.

• Ensure alignment of capital expansion with safety and operational standards.

• Drive research and development efforts focused on infrastructure technologies and innovation.

• Ensure governance, compliance, and effective risk management in all infrastructure-related projects and processes.

• Establish a centre of excellence for project management, maintenance best practices, and continuous improvement in engineering processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Electronic, or Mechanical Engineering.

• Minimum of 12 years’ engineering experience in a complex operational environment, with at least 8 years at a senior management level.

• Demonstrated experience in the rail or related infrastructure sectors.

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

• Proven ability to manage large-scale capital investment programmes and maintenance operations.

• High standards of integrity and accountability in line with the National Credit Act Amendment 19.

• Must be willing to undergo a lifestyle audit.

Standard Requirements

• Valid Code 8 driver’s license.

• Willingness to travel as required by the role.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and sustainable planning

• Ethical and inspirational leadership

• Business performance and project delivery

• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

• Corporate governance and regulatory compliance

• Strong personal discipline and continuous improvement mindset

Equity Statement

TRANSNET is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups, in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and transformation targets.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a skilled General Manager with a passion for infrastructure development, innovation, and national impact.