Lead Program Manager

Network Finance; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the planning, execution and governance of high-value programmes across defence, aerospace, security or advanced manufacturing sectors. You will manage multidisciplinary teams, drive contract negotiations, and ensure compliance with regulatory and HSSE requirements.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep commercial acumen, with 8–15 years in programme or contract management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Commerce or related field.
• Project Management qualification.
• PMBOK certification.
• Commercial or Contract Management qualification/training.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of programmes and projects.
• Manage programme performance against cost, quality, schedule, compliance, and risk objectives.
• Develop and maintain programme plans, schedules, milestones, and resource allocations.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle from bid phase through execution and close-out.
• Negotiate and administer contracts, amendments, subcontractor agreements, claims, and variations.
• Monitor financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, profitability, and cash flow.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and key stakeholders.
• Lead programme governance, reporting, risk management, and compliance activities.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, contractual, quality, security, and HSSE requirements.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Commerce

Project Management qualification

PMBOK certification

Commercial or Contract Management qualification/training

MBA or postgraduate qualification

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of programmes and projects.
• Manage programme performance against cost, quality, schedule, compliance, and risk objectives.
• Develop and maintain programme plans, schedules, milestones, and resource allocations.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle from bid phase through execution and close-out.
• Negotiate and administer contracts, amendments, subcontractor agreements, claims, and variations.
• Monitor financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, profitability, and cash flow.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and key stakeholders.
• Lead programme governance, reporting, risk management, and compliance activities.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, contractual, quality, security, and HSSE requirements.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Commerce, or a related field.
• Project Management qualification.
• PMBOK certification.
• Commercial or Contract Management qualification/training.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• 8-15 years' experience in programme, project, or commercial management.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-value programmes.
• Experience within the defence, aerospace, security, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Strong contract negotiation, commercial management, and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder relationships.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking ability.
• Excellent commercial and business acumen.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and governance discipline.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearances and comply with all applicable security, confidentiality, export control, and regulatory requirements.