Lead Project Manager - Financial Services

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Study assistance for certifications

Leadership training

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct partners with a leading financial institution in Cape Town to recruit a highly experienced Lead Project Manager. You will guide project managers, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure on-time delivery across a portfolio of high-stakes financial services projects.

The role requires 10+ years in PM, with 5+ years in leadership, and a strong grasp of POPIA/FAIS regulations. You will report to executives and shape operational and technological advancements in the organisation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Business, or related field and PMP/PRINCE2 certification.
• 10+ years of project management experience, with 5+ years in leadership in financial services.
• Experience managing projects with budgets over R10 million.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (POPIA, FAIS) and financial products.
• Excellent leadership, strategy, and presenting to C-suite.
• Proficient in advanced project management tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of project managers and portfolios.
• Develop and implement strategic project management frameworks and best practices within the financial services domain.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including senior executives, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of major projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for all assigned projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the PMO.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Presentation skills

PM tools proficiency

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Finance/Business/related field

PMP or PRINCE2 certification

Tools

PM software proficiency

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is partnering with a leading financial institution in Cape Town to recruit a highly experienced Lead Project Manager. This critical role involves overseeing a portfolio of high-stakes projects within the financial services sector, ensuring timely and successful delivery. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of financial regulations, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-year projects. You will be responsible for guiding project managers and teams, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the company's long-term vision. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to navigate the demanding landscape of the finance industry. As a Lead Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational and technological advancements of the organisation. The role is based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , offering a stimulating professional environment and significant career growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of project managers, providing guidance and oversight for their project portfolios.
• Develop and implement strategic project management frameworks and best practices within the financial services domain.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including senior executives, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of major projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for all assigned projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the project management office (PMO).
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to achieve project objectives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Business, or a related field; PMP or PRINCE2 certification is mandatory.
• 10+ years of project management experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing projects with budgets exceeding R10 million.
• In-depth knowledge of financial products, market trends, and regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA, FAIS).
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with C-level executives.
• Proficiency in advanced project management tools and techniques.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to Cape Town.

Benefits

This role comes with a highly competitive salary and an attractive performance-based bonus structure. Our client provides comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and leadership training. Employees can also avail of study assistance for further certifications. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, with regular team-building events. Situated in the scenic Cape Town, the office environment is modern and conducive to productivity. Additional benefits include access to employee assistance programs, subsidized travel options, and a performance recognition scheme.