construction jobs in Johannesburg, Gauteng

Site Agent (Building Construction)

Location: Gauteng (Head Office based in Sandton)
Industry: Building Construction
Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Contracts Manager / Construction Manager / Project Manager

Job Purpose
An established building construction company based in Sandton is seeking an experienced Site Agent to join its Gauteng operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of building construction projects, ensuring that all work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
The Site Agent will lead and coordinate all site activities, supervise site personnel and subcontractors, manage project resources, and ensure compliance with contractual requirements, company standards, and South African construction legislation.Key Responsibilities
Site Management

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of construction sites.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all construction activities.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Develop and implement construction methodologies.
• Manage multiple subcontractors and suppliers.
• Monitor daily site progress and productivity.
• Resolve operational challenges and technical issues on site.
• Ensure compliance with approved construction programmes.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate activities between clients, consultants, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Attend and chair site coordination meetings.
• Ensure construction activities align with project schedules.
• Monitor procurement and delivery of materials.
• Coordinate plant, equipment, and labour resources.
• Assist in planning construction sequencing.

Programme Management

• Work closely with the Project Planner to ensure programme compliance.
• Monitor critical path activities.
• Identify delays and implement recovery plans.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress updates.
• Assist in achieving project milestones.

Quality Management

• Ensure all work complies with project specifications, drawings, and applicable standards.
• Conduct regular quality inspections.
• Ensure quality control procedures are implemented.
• Manage snag lists and practical completion requirements.
• Oversee testing and commissioning activities.
• Ensure defects are rectified promptly.

Health and Safety

• Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and Construction Regulations 2014.
• Promote a strong safety culture on site.
• Work closely with the Safety Officer to ensure legal compliance.
• Ensure all employees and subcontractors adhere to site safety procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings and audits.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions where required.

Commercial Management

• Assist the Quantity Surveyor with measurement of completed work.
• Monitor labour, plant, and material costs.
• Minimise waste and improve productivity.
• Approve subcontractor work completed.
• Assist in evaluating variations and additional work.
• Monitor project budgets and cost performance.

Labour and Subcontractor Management

• Supervise Site Foremen, General Foremen, Supervisors, and subcontractors.
• Allocate work activities efficiently.
• Monitor workforce productivity.
• Manage subcontractor performance and compliance.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and planning meetings.
• Resolve site disputes and operational issues.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate site diaries and daily reports.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports.
• Record delays, variations, and site instructions.
• Ensure all project documentation is up to date.
• Monitor drawing revisions and document control.
• Prepare handover documentation upon project completion.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Represent the company at site meetings.
• Communicate project progress effectively.
• Address client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction throughout the project.

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Construction Management, Building, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Registration with SACPCMP as a Candidate or Professional Construction Manager is highly advantageous.
• Additional project management qualifications will be beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years' experience as a Site Agent within the building construction industry.
• Proven experience managing commercial, residential, industrial, retail, healthcare, education, or mixed-use developments.
• Experience working for established building contractors is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple subcontractors and complex construction activities.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of building construction methods and sequencing.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Working knowledge of JBCC contracts.
• Knowledge of NEC, GCC, and FIDIC contracts is advantageous.
• Experience using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
• Sound knowledge of quality management systems and construction standards.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Results-driven with a proactive approach.
• Ability to motivate and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Projects completed on time.
• Adherence to approved construction programmes.
• Budget and cost performance.
• Quality of workmanship.
• Client satisfaction.
• Health and safety compliance.
• Productivity and resource utilisation.
• Subcontractor performance.
• Successful completion of project milestones.
• Reduction of rework and defects.

Preferred Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with experience on:

• Commercial office developments
• Shopping centres and retail developments
• Residential estates and apartment developments
• Industrial buildings and warehouses
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Schools and educational institutions
• High-rise buildings
• Mixed-use developments
• Government and public sector construction projects

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.
• Willingness to travel to project sites throughout Gauteng.
• Ability to work extended hours when project deadlines require.
• Medically fit to work on active construction sites.

Salary
Market-related and dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Provident Fund
• Medical Aid (where applicable)
• Annual Leave
• Company laptop and mobile phone (where applicable)
• Professional development and SACPCMP support
• Opportunity to work on major building construction projects throughout Gauteng

Why Join Us?
Join a reputable building construction company delivering high-quality projects across Gauteng. This role offers the opportunity to lead diverse building projects, manage experienced site teams, and contribute to the successful delivery of landmark commercial, industrial, residential, and mixed-use developments while advancing your professional career.

Work Location: In person