Job Description

About the company

Utopia

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 role

We'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.

Responsibilities

Site 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 activities

Ensuring that construction on site follows approved project plans, drawings, and specifications Monitoring quality standards and ensuring compliance with local building codes, regulations, and safety practices Tracking progress against the agreed schedule and budget, and flagging risks early Conducting regular site inspections and proactively addressing any safety or quality concerns Acting as the main point of contact between the construction site and the wider project team, including the Head of Construction Providing clear and timely updates on project status, and raising issues together with proposed solutions Stepping in for the Head of Construction when needed, including attending meetings and contributing to key decisions Supporting other project sites with construction oversight, with occasional travel to the Middle East and Africa

CV requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture Post-graduate studies in Construction Management or related fields

Experience

Minimum 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 projects Completed at least 3 full-cycle projects in South Africa, ideally in touristic regions Proven track record in luxury villa or high-end residential construction

Technical Skills

Proficiency in construction software and tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project, and other relevant applications

Local Expertise

Strong knowledge of local building codes, regulations, and construction practices essential to successful delivery

Language Proficiency

Fluency in

English

is required for communication with our London-based management team and site teams

Problem-Solving Prowess

Ability to provide clear examples of resolving technical or logistical challenges during past construction projects