Lead Project Manager - Financial Technology (FinTech) Solutions

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work model

Vibrant office culture

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Project Manager in Sandton to drive the development and launch of cutting-edge FinTech solutions, including digital payments, blockchain, and AI analytics. You will lead cross-functional teams across product, engineering, and compliance to deliver complex programs on time and within scope.

The role requires 8–10 years in project management within FinTech or financial services tech, with strong leadership, stakeholder management, and regulatory understanding (POPIA,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree (MBA, MSc) or PMP/Agile certifications desirable.
• 8–10+ years of project management experience in FinTech, software development, or financial services technology.
• Experience with digital payments, blockchain, APIs, data analytics, or AI/ML in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, banking operations, and regulatory compliance (POPIA, FICA).
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing technical teams and manage stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, Asana and Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex FinTech projects, aligning with strategy and market opportunities.
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables, and success metrics with product owners, engineering teams, and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed plans with timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Motivate cross-functional teams including engineers, data scientists, PMs, designers, and compliance officers.
• Oversee integration of new technologies with scalability, security, and regulatory adherence.
• Manage vendor relationships and third-party integrations.
• Monitor KPIs and report progress to executives.
• Foster innovation, agility, and continuous improvement; drive launches and go-to-market strategies.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the FinTech space, is seeking an accomplished Lead Project Manager to drive the development and implementation of groundbreaking financial technology solutions in Sandton, Gauteng . This strategic role will involve managing complex projects from conception through to launch, focusing on areas such as digital payments, blockchain applications, AI-driven analytics, and regulatory compliance technology. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of both financial services and cutting-edge technology, coupled with exceptional leadership and execution capabilities. Join us in shaping the future of finance in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex FinTech projects, ensuring alignment with business strategy and market opportunities. Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success metrics in collaboration with product owners, engineering teams, and business stakeholders. Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and comprehensive risk management strategies. Manage and motivate cross-functional teams, including software engineers, data scientists, product managers, UX designers, and compliance officers. Oversee the integration of new technologies and platforms, ensuring scalability, security, and regulatory adherence. Manage vendor relationships and third-party integrations effectively. Monitor project progress closely, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide insightful reports to executive leadership. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement within the project teams. Ensure timely and successful product launches and go-to-market strategies.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Finance, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. A Master's degree (MBA, MSc) or PMP/Agile certifications are highly desirable. A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in project management, with a significant portion dedicated to FinTech, software development, or financial services technology projects. Proven experience managing projects involving digital payments, blockchain, APIs, data analytics, or AI/ML within a regulated environment. Strong understanding of financial markets, banking operations, and regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA, FICA). Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing technical teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships. Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana) and Agile methodologies. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup-like environment.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, and potential equity options. Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and wellness programs are provided. We are committed to your professional growth, offering extensive training opportunities, mentorship programs, and support for advanced certifications. You will be part of an energetic and innovative team driving change in the financial sector. A flexible hybrid work model and a vibrant office culture are integral to our offering.