At Zutari EX, we bring engineering excellence to a global stage. Rooted in Zutari’s 90-year legacy, EX is not outsourcing it’s deep integration, delivering high-calibre, scalable engineering and design teams tailor-built for clients worldwide. With 12+ high-impact teams, 300+ expert engineers & modelers, and over 800,000 hours of engineering delivery, we become an embedded extension of your business. Zutari EX spans energy, water, transport, built environment, resources, and digital, offering future-proof scalability and fully managed operations so your team can stay focused on growth.
About the role
The Managing Director EX assumes a pivotal strategic leadership role at Zutari, tasked with driving the strategic development and execution of Zutari EX as a purpose-built business delivering high-calibre engineering and design services for global projects. This role combines visionary design leadership with international market expansion, positioning Zutari EX to integrate seamlessly into the value chains of Consultants, EPCMs, OEMs, and contractors worldwide. The Managing Director EX will craft and execute comprehensive strategies that establish Zutari EX as a long-term technical partner, leveraging technical eminence to deliver scalable, outcomes-driven solutions across international markets.
This position requires exceptional leadership capabilities, extensive international experience, deep understanding of design excellence principles, and a proven track record of building and scaling design-centered organizations in global markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive strategy for Zutari EX as a purpose-built business delivering high-calibre engineering services
- Lead establishment of design services that integrate seamlessly into value chains of Consultants, EPCMs, OEMs, and contractors
- Position Zutari EX as a long-term technical partner delivering scalable, outcomes-driven solutions globally
- Drive integration of design thinking and technical eminence across all business units and geographic regions
- Champion development of Zutari's technical brand and reputation in international markets
Technical Eminence & Innovation
Oversee conceptualization and delivery of projects for strategic international clients and partnersEstablish frameworks for technical excellence that position Zutari EX as preferred technical partner for sophisticated engineering challengesLead thought leadership development on industry challenges and innovative solutions that support partner value chainsFoster culture of continuous innovation and technical advancement across the organizationInternational Market Development
Leverage extensive international networks to identify and pursue strategic market opportunitiesEstablish strategic partnerships with international clients, technology providers, and industry expertsWork Winning & Client Engagement
Serve as a magnet for high-value international work through personal brand and technical reputationDevelop and maintain relationships with C-level executives and decision-makers globallyArticulate the value proposition of Zutari's design excellence to international marketsOrganizational Development
Build and lead high-performing international teams across multiple design centersEstablish mentorship and development programs for emerging technical leadersDrive organizational change to support international growth and design excellenceFoster cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing across global operationsBrand & Thought Leadership
Position Zutari and personal brand through international conferences, publications, and industry engagementLead external storytelling of innovative designs and their global impactRepresent Zutari at international industry bodies and professional organizationsDrive content creation and thought leadership that enhances Zutari's international reputationPeople Leadership and Organizational Development
Foster a collaborative, high-performance work culture aligned with Zutari's values of impact, innovation, and excellenceChampion diversity, inclusion, and local capacity building initiativesEnsure localisation ambitions are met and realised.Implement talent attraction, retention, and succession planning strategies for critical rolesCreate and maintain a working environment that promotes employee engagement, development, and well‑beingLead and guide senior personnel regarding the implementation and monitoring of talent management, performance management, career guidance, and professional development for all employeesEnhance and promote initiatives such as youth empowerment, professional development and registration, advance technical and commercial development of staff.Participate in well-known industry conferences, initiatives and proactively contribute to the growth of the next generation of engineersQualifications
Education / Certification / Membership RequiredBachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, or related technical fieldProfessional engineering registration or equivalent international certificationApproximately 10 years of proven experience in senior leadership roles within the engineering / design industryApproximately 10 years of demonstrated international experience across multiple marketsAdvanced degree (Masters / PhD) in Engineering, Business, or related fieldMBA or equivalent international business qualificationMembership in international professional bodies (ICE, ASCE, IStructE, etc.)Published thought leadership in international journals or conferencesOther requirements
International Experience - Proven track record of working and establishing new operations across multiple international markets (Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, Americas)Track record of successfully establishing and scaling design-centred organizations internationallyMust have Technical & Design Leadership excellence leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects with experience in technical innovation and emerging technology adoptionBusiness Acumen - Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth and market expansion internationallyLeadership & Communication - Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with ability to inspire international teams, C-level audiences with experience in change management and organizational transformationSkills
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate diverse teams across cultures and geographiesOutstanding commercial acumen with proven ability to identify, pursue, and close business opportunitiesExcellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with C-suite executives and international stakeholdersStrategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilitiesEntrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate effectively in dynamic, ambiguous environmentsStrong financial literacy and business management capabilitiesAbility to navigate complex regulatory and cultural environmentsResults-oriented with demonstrated ability to deliver on ambitious growth targetsVisionary thinking with international perspectiveEthical leadership and integrityInspire multicultural teamsCultural adaptability across marketsGlobal business with local understandingInternational regulatory experienceTechnical excellence commitmentEntrepreneurial risk-taking mindsetForward-thinking technology approachCross-cultural relationship buildingEmpowering leadership styleAble to build strong client relationships and manage the senior teams execution to deliver tailored solutionsWe believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.
#J-18808-Ljbffr