Lead Project Manager - Financial Services Technology

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

provident fund

Life insurance

Annual leave

Performance bonuses

Wellness programs

Industry conferences

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in Cape Town is seeking a distinguished Lead Project Manager to drive technology initiatives and ensure successful delivery across the IT portfolio. You will mentor a team of project managers, partner with senior stakeholders, and steer complex programs in a regulatory-aware environment.

The role requires a master’s degree, 10+ years in project management with at least 6 in leadership within financial services, and proven experience delivering core banking,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in project management, with at least 6 years in a leadership role within financial services.
• Experience managing large IT projects including core banking, digital platforms, and regulatory initiatives.
• Knowledge of POPIA and FICA and their impact on IT projects.
• Expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies with ability to adapt.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for technology-related projects within the financial services division.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure successful delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers and coordinators.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and technology partners.
• Oversee implementation of new financial systems, software upgrades, and IT infrastructure projects.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and industry best practices across projects.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate effective communication between project teams and senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management processes and methodologies.
• Champion innovation and operational excellence within the PMO.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Agile & Waterfall

Risk management

Budget management

Communication

Executive presentation

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration/IT or related

Tools

PRINCE2

PMP

CSM

Job description

About the Role

A prominent financial institution based in the vibrant city of Cape Town is seeking a distinguished Lead Project Manager to spearhead its technology initiatives. This role is critical for driving innovation and ensuring the seamless execution of projects within the financial services sector. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of both project management best practices and the complexities of financial technology. You will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of projects, mentoring junior project managers, and collaborating with key stakeholders across the business. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization in the heart of the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all technology-related projects within the financial services division.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers and project coordinators.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with business stakeholders, vendors, and technology partners.
• Oversee the implementation of new financial systems, software upgrades, and IT infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices in all project activities.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for all projects.
• Facilitate effective communication channels between project teams and senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management processes and methodologies.
• Champion a culture of innovation and operational excellence within the project management office.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, with at least 6 years in a leadership role within the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale IT projects, including core banking systems, digital platforms, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations (e.g., POPIA, FICA) and their impact on IT projects.
• Expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with the ability to adapt approaches as needed.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, software development lifecycles, and cybersecurity principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or CSM are highly preferred.
• Previous experience working in Cape Town and understanding the local financial market dynamics is essential.

Benefits

• This position comes with a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• Our client is committed to employee growth, offering substantial opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and participation in industry conferences.
• The work environment in Cape Town is dynamic and collaborative, fostering innovation and teamwork.
• We offer generous annual leave, performance bonuses, and access to wellness programs.
• Employees will also have the opportunity to contribute to transformative projects that shape the future of financial services in South Africa.