Drawing Office Manager - Mechanical Engineering (JHB North)
Ashton Personnel · Randburg, Gauteng
Overview
A materials handling equipment company in Randburg is hiring an experienced Drawing Office Manager to lead its mechanical drawing office. You will manage a team of draughtsmen and oversee 3D plant models, engineering drawings, and design coordination across projects. If you have a strong technical background and enjoy leading a drafting team, this permanent role pays R65K per month plus benefits.
About the role
As the Drawing Office Manager, you will lead a team responsible for producing all engineering drawings and 3D models for heavy industrial projects. You will work closely with mechanical, process, structural, and project management teams to ensure designs are accurate, coordinated, and ready for procurement and construction.
Your typical week will involve planning work across projects, running model review sessions in Solid Edge and Navisworks, checking drawings for quality, and making sure revisions are properly managed. You will also mentor draughtsmen, set drafting standards, and help resolve technical queries from manufacturing and site teams.
Application notes: This is a permanent, full-time position based in Randburg. The salary is R65 000 per month basic, slightly negotiable, plus benefits. Only candidates with the required qualifications and experience will be considered.
Requirements
- National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering together with a recognised Mechanical Draughting qualification.
- A B Tech in Mechanical Engineering, advanced CAD qualification, or Project Management qualification would be advantageous.
- Minimum of 10 years experience in mechanical drafting within heavy industrial projects.
- At least 5 years experience managing a multidisciplinary drawing office.
- Demonstrated experience in bulk materials handling, mining, mineral processing, or water treatment projects is essential.
- Extensive knowledge of plant layout design, pipework, structural steelwork, platework, equipment integration, and multidisciplinary model coordination.
- Advanced proficiency in Solid Edge and experience developing large integrated 3D plant models.
- Experience using Navisworks for model review, client presentations, construction planning, and commissioning support.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Autodesk Plant 3D, Inventor, Microsoft Project, SharePoint, and engineering document management systems would be advantageous.
- Thorough understanding of mechanical engineering principles applicable to bulk materials handling systems.
- Strong leadership, planning, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects within demanding schedules.
- Excellent attention to detail and proactive problem-solving approach.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organise, and direct all activities within the Drawing Office to meet project deadlines and quality standards.
- Manage departmental resources and allocate work across multiple projects.
- Oversee the development and integrity of complete 3D plant models in Solid Edge, integrating mechanical, piping, structural, platework, and other disciplines.
- Coordinate between mechanical, structural, civil, process, and electrical engineering teams to resolve clashes and interface issues before drawings are issued.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary design reviews with engineering teams, project managers, and clients.
- Oversee the production and verification of all engineering drawings, including general arrangement, fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, structural steel, piping, installation, and as-built documentation.
- Ensure all drawings comply with company drafting standards, project specifications, and industry standards.
- Manage Navisworks models for visualisation, construction planning, and commissioning support.
- Develop and maintain CAD standards, drawing templates, title blocks, revision control procedures, naming conventions, and component libraries.
- Implement quality assurance procedures to ensure drawings are dimensionally accurate and manufacturing-ready.
- Manage engineering change management and drawing revisions while maintaining document traceability.
- Provide technical support to manufacturing, construction, and commissioning teams, resolving drawing queries and issuing revised documentation.
- Identify opportunities for automation and standardisation, and investigate new technologies to improve engineering efficiency.
- Lead, develop, and manage drawing office staff, including senior, mechanical, and junior draughtsmen.
- Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, support recruitment, and develop succession plans.
Benefits
R65K basic per month plus benefits
Job details
- Organisation
- Ashton Personnel
- Location
- Randburg, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Senior (10+ years)
- Education
- Diploma
- Salary
- R65k per month / monthly
- Category
- Construction & Engineering
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This is a senior role, so your application should highlight your experience managing a drawing office and working on heavy industrial projects. Make sure your CV clearly shows the number of years you have spent in mechanical drafting and how many years you have led a team. Mention specific projects in bulk materials handling, mining, or similar fields, and list the software you use, especially Solid Edge and Navisworks. If you have a portfolio or examples of 3D models you have worked on, bring them to the interview. Be ready to discuss how you coordinate between different engineering disciplines and resolve clashes before construction. The company values continuous improvement, so think of examples where you improved drafting processes or standards. Good luck!
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