Large-Scale Transformation Programme Lead

Project Management Connection; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Management Connection in Sandton, South Africa seeks an experienced individual to lead a complex, high-impact business transition programme. The role involves managing the full transition process, ensuring stakeholder alignment and minimizing disruption during the shift to a new operational model.

The ideal candidate will have 8-12+ years of experience in project management, strong skills in managing complexity, and a proven track record in large-scale transformations. The position is a fixed-term contract for 6–12 months.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years' experience in project or programme management.
• Experience in complex business transformation and transitions.
• Proven track record in large-scale transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the transition programme.
• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams.
• Engage key stakeholders and maintain strong governance.

Skills

Programme/project management capability

Stakeholder management

Managing complexity

Understanding of organisational change

Education

Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2 or similar)

Job description

Role Purpose

To lead the delivery of a complex, high-impact large-scale business transition programme involving multiple interdependent workstreams, senior stakeholders, regulatory and governance considerations, and material operational and people impacts.

The role is accountable for coordinating the end-to-end execution of the transition, ensuring business continuity, risk-managed delivery, stakeholder alignment, and a smooth shift towards the agreed future-state operating model within defined timelines.

Duration

• Fixed-term contract: 6--12 months

Key Accountabilities

1. End-to-End Programme Delivery

• Lead the planning and execution of the full transition programme

• Establish and manage project plans, timelines, risks, dependencies, and reporting

• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams, including People, Legal, Technology, Operations and Finance

• Ensure disciplined execution in line with governance standards

(Aligned to cross-functional programme structure and governance model)

2. Transition Management

• Coordinate workforce, governance and operational transition activities across the programme lifecycle

• Work closely with Legal and Human Capital to support:

  • Compliance with applicable regulatory, governance and labour requirements

  • Accurate people-related planning, readiness and implementation activities

• Manage risks related to employee relations, compliance, communication and transition readiness

3. Operating Model Alignment

• Coordinate alignment of teams, processes, systems and capabilities to the agreed future-state operating model

• Support the transition of operational activities, client touchpoints, processes and business capabilities

• Protect continuity of business operations and customer experience throughout the transition

4. People & Change Coordination

• Partner with HC and Change teams to:

  • Manage workforce impacts, role alignment, transition readiness and change adoption

  • Coordinate change readiness and communication plans

• Support leaders through the transition process to ensure alignment and stability

(Aligned to workforce impact and change readiness focus areas)

5. Stakeholder & Governance Management

• Engage key stakeholders across Exco, leadership teams, and project sponsors

• Provide regular updates on progress, risks, and decisions required

• Maintain strong governance, documentation, and audit trails

6. Risk, Issue & Dependency Management

• Identify, track, and proactively manage programme risks and issues

• Ensure dependencies across workstreams are managed effectively

• Escalate critical risks early with recommended mitigation actions

Key Deliverables

• Effective delivery of the agreed transition plan within defined timelines and governance requirements

• Smooth shift to the agreed future-state operating model

• Minimal disruption to employees, customers, operations and key stakeholder groups

• All governance, compliance, and reporting requirements met

Experience & Capability Requirements

Experience

• 8-12+ years' experience in project or programme management

• Experience in complex business transformation, operating model change, organisational transition or integration-type programmes

• Proven track record in:

  • Large-scale transformation, transition or operating model change programmes

  • Complex organisational change involving people, process, technology and governance impacts

  • Complex, multi-stakeholder environments

• Experience working with senior leadership and executives

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong programme/project management capability (end-to-end delivery)

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills

• Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities

• Good understanding of organisational change, workforce impacts and transition readiness

• Structured, detail-oriented, and outcomes-driven

Advantageous

• Exposure to legal/HC transitions

• Financial services or insurance experience

• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2 or similar)

Reporting Line

• Executive Programme Sponsor

• Close partnership with:

  • Legal & Governance

  • HC / People & Change

  • Business unit leadership

Success Profile (What "good" looks like)

• Calm, structured operator in high-pressure environments

• Builds trust quickly across stakeholders

• Balances pace with governance and risk

• Pragmatic and solutions-oriented

• Strong personal credibility with executives