Lead Project Manager - Digital Transformation Initiatives

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Executive health benefits (private)

Generous annual leave

Executive training & leadership

Pension fund/retirement benefits

Premium office facilities

High-visibility, impactful role

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng seeks a Lead Project Manager to drive digital transformation initiatives within a premier financial services organization. You will lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale IT-centric projects to modernize platforms and enhance customer experience.

The role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership, and expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with 10+ years of experience in financial services.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years leading large-scale digital transformation or IT-centric projects.
• Proven experience within the financial services industry, with deep understanding of regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated success managing complex cross-functional projects with strategic impact.
• Expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies and tools.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and drive change in a corporate setting like Sandton, Gauteng.
• Experience with digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, big data, cloud computing, and mobile applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of digital transformation projects, including digital platforms, data analytics, and process automation.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project roadmaps, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Direct and mentor project teams comprised of business analysts, IT specialists, developers, and change management professionals.
• Ensure alignment of digital initiatives with overall business strategy and objectives.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across all levels of the organization, ensuring clear communication and buy-in.
• Oversee the integration of new digital solutions with existing systems and processes.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefit realization.
• Champion change management efforts to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and processes by employees and customers.
• Monitor project performance and deliver regular progress reports to senior leadership.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Agile

Waterfall

Strategic thinking

Digital transformation

Education

Master's degree (MBA/IT/CS or related)

Tools

PM methodologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a forward-thinking financial services organization seeking a highly skilled Lead Project Manager to drive their digital transformation initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. This crucial role involves spearheading projects that modernize systems, enhance customer experience, and leverage emerging technologies to achieve strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of strategic thinking, technological acumen, and proven project management leadership, ideally within the financial services sector. You will be responsible for guiding cross-functional teams, managing complex project portfolios, and ensuring the successful adoption of digital solutions across the organization. This is a premier opportunity to shape the future of a leading financial institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of key digital transformation projects, including digital platforms, data analytics, and process automation.


• Develop and manage comprehensive project roadmaps, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.


• Direct and mentor project teams comprised of business analysts, IT specialists, developers, and change management professionals.


• Ensure alignment of digital initiatives with overall business strategy and objectives.


• Manage stakeholder relationships across all levels of the organization, ensuring clear communication and buy-in.


• Oversee the integration of new digital solutions with existing systems and processes.


• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefit realization.


• Champion change management efforts to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and processes by employees and customers.


• Monitor project performance and deliver regular progress reports to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.


• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years focused on leading large-scale digital transformation or IT-centric projects.


• Proven experience within the financial services industry, with a deep understanding of its operational landscape and regulatory environment.


• Demonstrated success in managing complex, cross-functional projects with significant strategic impact.


• Expertise in various project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and tools.


• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive change effectively in a corporate setting like Sandton, Gauteng.


• Experience with digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, big data, cloud computing, and mobile applications.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a substantial base salary and significant performance bonuses.


• Comprehensive executive health benefits, including private medical, dental, and optical coverage.


• Generous annual leave and flexible work arrangements.


• Opportunities for executive training, leadership development programs, and international conference attendance.


• Significant contribution to a pension fund and other retirement benefits.


• Access to premium office facilities and amenities.


• A challenging and rewarding environment with high visibility and impact.