We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Operations manager- structural steel, fabrication and installaton and supplies of engineering tools and equipment
Job Summary
- Employer: Mendel Welding & Engineering (Pty)Ltd
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-10-21
Key Responsibilities
- General management of Botswana operations
- Marketing/ estimating/ planning/ procurement/ production/ installation
- Strategic inputs for the sustainability and growth of the company. Implement new marketing ang growth strategies.
- Develop and maintain sincere, professional and mutually supportive relationships with customers and employee of the company, further our company image.
- Develop and maintain sincere professional and mutually supportive relationships with customers and employees of the company further our company image.
- Understanding and applying relevant design and manufacturing coded ot practice (BBS, $ABS, BSI etc) and other relevant standards. Knowledge of proper welding and erecting processes.
Requirements
- advance diploma qualification in civil and structural engineering
- Minimum 30 years experience in structural steel fabrication and installation, managing workshop and sites with crew of up to 150 artisans/fabricators/welders/welders/riggers of various skill levels.
- Experience in a senior managerial position and be conversant with all aspects of structural steel engineering
- Being fully computer literate and competent on Auto Cad, and other relevant software.
- Registered with Engineering Registration Board (ERB)
- Flexibility to travel all over Botswana
- Have a’hands on’ approach to all facets of the business.
- Committed, hard-working, self-motivated with high initiative, irreproachable, integrity and honesty, pragmatic, effective, energetic, must be able to prioritize work to meet deadlines
How to Apply
Only applicants who meet the above requirements need apply giving details of qualifications and experience, and names and contacts of at least two referees. Certified copies of relevant certificates and a detailed CV must accompany applications addressed to: HR Manager Mendel Welding & Engineering (Pty)Ltd PO BOX 2359, Gaborone Email: mendelweld@it.bw Closing date for receipt of applications: 21 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Operations Manager role in structural steel and fabrication in Botswana?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, plus professional registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana. Additional certifications in welding inspection (AWS CWI), project management (PMP or PRINCE2), and occupational health and safety are highly valued. Hands-on experience in steel fabrication or engineering supplies management often carries as much weight as formal qualifications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Operations Manager in this industry?
Daily duties include coordinating production schedules between the fabrication workshop and installation teams, managing inventory of engineering tools and equipment, and ensuring compliance with Botswana Bureau of Standards specifications. You will also oversee quality control, liaise with mining and construction clients, and manage staff across multiple sites. Reporting on operational performance and maintaining safety standards per Botswana's Factories Act are core ongoing responsibilities.
How does workplace culture and management style typically function in Botswana's engineering sector?
Botswana's engineering workplaces generally blend formal hierarchical structures with collaborative problem-solving, reflecting both British professional traditions and local Setswana values of consultation and respect. Punctuality and proper documentation are expected, but relationship-building with teams and clients remains central to effective operations. Employers increasingly emphasize continuous improvement and safety consciousness, particularly given the hazardous nature of structural steel work.
What career progression opportunities exist for Operations Managers in Botswana's structural steel and engineering supplies sector?
Progression typically moves from Operations Manager to General Manager or Director of Operations, with some professionals transitioning into specialized consulting or establishing their own fabrication businesses. The mining-driven economy in Botswana creates demand for experienced managers who can oversee large-scale projects for Debswana, BCL, or international EPC contractors. Further advancement often depends on developing expertise in contract negotiation, supply chain optimization, and cross-border project management within the SADC region.
What employee benefits are standard for management positions in Botswana's engineering industry?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave of 15-25 working days, paid sick leave per Botswana's Employment Act, and participation in company medical aid schemes such as Botswana Life or Pula Medical Aid. Most established firms provide pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes, with some offering performance bonuses tied to project completion. Larger employers may also provide housing allowances, transport, or professional development funding for further certifications.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Botswana engineering employers typically look for in candidates?
Submit a detailed CV highlighting fabrication or steel project experience, certified copies of qualifications and ERB registration, and references from previous supervisors or clients in the engineering sector. Employers prioritize candidates with proven track records in managing diverse teams, controlling costs on capital projects, and navigating Botswana's procurement regulations. Demonstrating familiarity with local industry players, such as mining houses and major construction firms, significantly strengthens your application.
