Site Engineer

About The CompanyUtopia is a forward-thinking global real estate development group dedicated to creating a distinctive portfolio of luxurious and high-end hospitality assets.At Utopia, we’re building more than properties — we’re crafting extraordinary experiences. Founded in 2023, our in-house architectural firm, Utopia Design, is at the heart of our mission to create a global portfolio of luxurious, high-end hospitality destinations. As part of a growing real estate development group, Utopia Design brings bold vision and innovative thinking to every project we take on.We’re a young, ambitious team driven by creativity, excellence, and the belief that great design transforms the way people live, travel, and connect. From concept to completion, we’re reimagining what luxury means in today’s world — and we’re just getting started.If you're passionate about design, architecture, and shaping the future of global hospitality, we invite you to grow with us.About The RoleWe’re looking for a capable and hands-on Local Site Manager to take the lead on the ground for the construction of a high-end luxury villa in Cape Town. If you're not already based there, relocation will be necessary.In this role, you’ll be the key link between our remote design and project teams and the day-to-day progress on site. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that construction meets our high standards of quality, follows agreed plans and specifications, and stays within time and budget constraints.We’re looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and confident in managing teams and site activity independently — someone who can take ownership and ensure the delivery reflects the level of excellence expected by our clients.ResponsibilitiesSite Mastery: Oversee all on-site activities, ensuring full compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.Strategic Planning: Collaborate closely with the Project Manager and Head of Construction to execute the construction plan, manage schedules, allocate resources, and oversee material procurement.Quality Excellence: Maintain high standards of quality control, ensuring that all work reflects the level of detail and craftsmanship defined in the design.Budget Stewardship: Monitor construction expenses at site level to ensure alignment with the approved budget, identifying cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.Team Leadership: Coordinate subcontractors, skilled labor, and on-site teams to maintain steady workflow, proactively address challenges, and foster a collaborative environment.Thorough Documentation: Maintain accurate records of site activities, progress reports, and conditions, and communicate clear, regular updates to the management team.Key activitiesEnsuring that construction on site follows approved project plans, drawings, and specificationsMonitoring quality standards and ensuring compliance with local building codes, regulations, and safety practicesTracking progress against the agreed schedule and budget, and flagging risks earlyConducting regular site inspections and proactively addressing any safety or quality concernsActing as the main point of contact between the construction site and the wider project team, including the Head of ConstructionProviding clear and timely updates on project status, and raising issues together with proposed solutionsStepping in for the Head of Construction when needed, including attending meetings and contributing to key decisionsSupporting other project sites with construction oversight, with occasional travel to the Middle East and AfricaCV RequirementsEducationBachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or ArchitecturePost-graduate studies in Construction Management or related fieldsExperienceMinimum of 10 years in construction site roles (e.g. Inspector, Project Engineer, Field Engineer, Site Supervisor, Assistant Project Manager, Construction Manager, Superintendent)Minimum of 6 years as a Field Engineer working on luxury villa or high-end residential or hospitality projectsCompleted at least 3 full-cycle projects in South Africa, ideally in touristic regionsProven track record in luxury villa or high-end residential constructionTechnical SkillsProficiency in construction software and tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project, and other relevant applicationsLocal ExpertiseStrong knowledge of local building codes, regulations, and construction practices essential to successful deliveryLanguage ProficiencyFluency in English is required for communication with our London-based management team and site teamsProblem-Solving ProwessAbility to provide clear examples of resolving technical or logistical challenges during past construction projects