IT Programme Manager

SavageOne Pty Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

SavageOne Pty Ltd is seeking a senior IT Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of IT projects, align them with business objectives, and drive successful delivery across multiple teams in Johannesburg.

You will shape strategy, govern programmes, manage budgets and risks, and report to senior stakeholders, ensuring benefits realization and collaboration with vendors and cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years IT project management experience; 5+ years in programme management.
• Experience managing large, interdependent IT programmes.
• Knowledge of IT domains: software, infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity.
• PMI/PRINCE2/Agile methodologies proficiency.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Define programme vision and strategic roadmap aligned to business strategy.
• Establish governance, roles, and responsibilities; plan timelines and budgets.
• Oversee multiple IT projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and quality.
• Manage resources including project managers, tech teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Track KPIs and report progress to senior management.
• Resolve programme-level issues and interdependencies.
• Build relationships with executives, IT teams, and external vendors.
• Communicate goals, progress, risks, and issues clearly.
• Run steering committees and governance forums.
• Align stakeholders with programme objectives.
• Identify and mitigate risks; manage changes with proper evaluation.
• Assess impact on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Establish governance frameworks and quality standards.
• Conduct reviews and audits for performance improvement.
• Promote continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor project managers and team members.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Identify training needs.
• Develop and manage the overall programme budget; monitor expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and provide timely reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Risk management

Communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PMBOK

PRINCE2

Agile methodologies

PMP/PgMP desirable

Job description

The IT Programme Manager is a senior role responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of a portfolio of related IT projects aimed at achieving specific business outcomes. This individual will provide strategic guidance, ensure alignment with organizational objectives, manage resources, mitigate risks, and foster collaboration among cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong IT background, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT programmes.

Responsibilities:

• Programme Strategy and Planning:
  • Develop and define the programme's vision, objectives, and strategic roadmap in alignment with the overall business strategy.
  • Identify and define programme scope, deliverables, dependencies, and interdependencies across multiple projects.
  • Establish programme governance structures, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Develop comprehensive programme plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Programme Execution and Delivery:
  • Oversee the execution of multiple IT projects within the programme, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
  • Manage programme resources, including project managers, technical teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
  • Monitor programme progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide regular status reports to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Identify and resolve programme‑level issues, conflicts, and dependencies.
  • Ensure adherence to established project management methodologies, standards, and best practices.
• Stakeholder Management and Communication:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, business leaders, IT teams, and external vendors.
  • Communicate programme goals, progress, risks, and issues effectively to all stakeholders.
  • Facilitate programme steering committee meetings and other governance forums.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment on programme objectives and outcomes.
• Risk and Change Management:
  • Identify, assess, and prioritize programme risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Monitor and control programme risks throughout the programme lifecycle.
  • Manage programme changes effectively, ensuring that changes are properly evaluated, approved, and implemented.
  • Assess the impact of changes on the programme's scope, schedule, and budget.
• Programme Governance and Quality Assurance:
  • Establish and maintain programme governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensure that projects within the programme adhere to quality standards and best practices.
  • Conduct programme reviews and audits to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the programme team.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to project managers and programme team members.
  • Foster a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
  • Promote knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across the programme.
  • Identify and address team training and development needs.
• Develop and manage the overall programme budget, ensuring cost‑effective delivery.
• Monitor programme expenditures, track variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in IT project management, with a minimum of 5+ years in a programme management role.
• Demonstrable experience in managing large‑scale, complex IT programmes with multiple interdependencies.
• Strong understanding of various IT domains, including software development, infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
• Proficiency in project and programme management methodologies, such as PMI's PMBOK, PRINCE2, or Agile frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to manage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
• Experience in managing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• PMP or PgMP certification is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of relevant industry trends and technologies.

Bonus Points:

• Experience with specific industry frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT).
• Experience managing programmes in a specific industry (e.g., financial services, telecommunications, etc.).
• Familiarity with change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci ADKAR).
• Experience with vendor management and procurement.