Junior Project Manager

Paracon; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead IT projects in Cape Town, South Africa. The successful candidate will manage complex initiatives ensuring alignment with project methodology and governance. With at least 3 years of experience, expertise in stakeholder engagement and vendor management is critical. The role offers a dynamic work environment focusing on effective project execution and transition to business-as-usual support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of demonstrable experience in managing IT projects.
• Applicable experience managing outsourced projects in a multi-vendor environment.
• Solid experience with IT governance and architecture.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage projects in accordance with PM methodology.
• Maintain effective management of risks, issues, and budgets.
• Establish and maintain professional stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Project Management

Risk Management

Vendor Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Tracking

SAAS Implementation

Education

Relevant IT or Project Management qualification

Grade 12 (Matric)

Tools

JIRA

MS Lists

PPM

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and delivery-focused Project Manager to lead variable-sized projects for our Group Human Capital division.

This pivotal role involves managing complex initiatives that span both Business and IT domains, ensuring alignment with Group PM methodology, governance, and standards.

The successful candidate will be accountable for end-to-end project execution, from planning and vendor management through to transition to Business-As-Usual (BAU).

Core Responsibilities & Outputs

• Project Governance: Define and manage the project in accordance with established PM methodology, governance, and standards.
• Risk & Resource Management: Maintain effective management of Risks, Issues, Actions, Budgets, and Dependencies.
• Accountable for resource contracting and optimal utilization.
• Scope & Prioritization: Drive an effective prioritization process for scope items based on available capacity, budget, and expected business benefit realization.
• Financial Accountability: Execute effective progress and financial tracking, providing transparent feedback and managing the procurement and vendor contracting process.
• Vendor & Procurement: Accountable for vendor delivery management in accordance with contractual agreements and managing the procurement process.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain professional relationships across all stakeholders, utilizing project forums (Steercom, Investment Committee) for reporting, escalation, and decision‑making.
• Change Control: Apply formal Change Management processes for scope, budget, and timeline adjustments as required.
• Transition: Ensure a smooth transition from project implementation to ongoing BAU Support & Maintenance.

Required Skills & Experience

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Relevant IT or Project Management qualification (e.g., PMP, Prince2, etc.).
• Experience: 3+ years of demonstrable experience in managing IT projects.
• Applicable experience managing outsourced projects in a multi‑vendor environment.
• Solid experience in SAAS solution implementation, specifically understanding the importance of user authentication and authorisation.
• Solid experience with IT and Architecture governance.
• Relevant experience managing projects within the Financial Services sector.
• Essential Knowledge – PM Discipline: Expert knowledge of Project Management Principles, Methodologies, the Project Life Cycle, and Planning / Control techniques.
• Delivery Frameworks: Good understanding of SDLC / DEVSECOPS processes.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong knowledge of Resource Management, Financial Management, Quotation Development, and the RFP / RFI process (Contract & Vendor Management).
• Tools: Practical experience with project management tools such as JIRA, MS Lists, or PPM.
• Compliance: Basic knowledge of the POPI Act and its impact on projects, and basic awareness of IT security related to project execution.