Lead Project Manager - Software Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical aid

Provident fund contribution

Extensive leave days

Professional development & conference

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Project Manager in Stellenbosch to guide software development teams through the full lifecycle in a hybrid work setup. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and excellence in Agile practices to deliver high-quality software that aligns with business goals.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in project management, with 3+ years in a lead role, and a strong background in distributed teams, SDLC, and modern tooling such as Jira, Confluence,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of project management experience, with at least 3 years in lead/senior capacity within software development.
• Experience managing hybrid teams and remote collaboration.
• Expertise with Agile/Scrum and tools like Jira, Confluence, MS Project.
• Strong knowledge of the SDLC and architectural patterns.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple complex software development projects from initiation to deployment.
• Define project scope, objectives, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Implement and refine Agile/Scrum methodologies to optimize workflows.
• Mentor senior and junior project managers and coordinators.
• Facilitate communication between development, product, QA, and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks to protect delivery timelines.
• Manage project budgets and ensure financial constraints are met.
• Drive continuous improvement in PM processes, tools, and best practices.
• Oversee release management and quality assurance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Agile/Scrum

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in CS/SE

Master's degree a plus

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech innovator based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a Lead Project Manager to spearhead their software development initiatives. This role embraces a hybrid work model, requiring a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in guiding project teams through the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring the timely delivery of high‑quality products that meet user needs and business objectives. This leadership position demands a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of agile methodologies. You will mentor junior project managers, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborate closely with product owners, development teams, and stakeholders across the organization. This is a prime opportunity to shape product roadmaps and drive technological advancements in a vibrant tech hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple complex software development projects from initiation to deployment.


• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements in alignment with business strategy.


• Implement and refine agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) to optimize development workflows and enhance team productivity.


• Mentor and guide a team of project managers and project coordinators, fostering their professional growth.


• Facilitate effective communication between development teams, product management, QA, and business stakeholders.


• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, ensuring minimal disruption to delivery timelines.


• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints.


• Drive continuous improvement in project management processes, tools, and best practices.


• Oversee the quality assurance and release management processes for software products.


• Report on project status, key metrics, and team performance to senior management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus.


• A minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacity, specifically within software development.


• Proven experience managing hybrid teams and fostering effective remote collaboration.


• Expertise in Agile/Scrum methodologies and experience with project management tools like Jira, Confluence, and MS Project.


• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and various architectural patterns.


• Excellent leadership, team‑building, and conflict‑resolution skills.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to manage complex project portfolios and prioritize effectively.


• Experience with cloud technologies and CI/CD pipelines is highly beneficial.


• A passion for technology and a commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including an excellent annual salary, performance‑based bonuses, and potential equity options.


• The comprehensive benefits include premium medical aid, a generous provident fund contribution, extensive leave days, and significant investment in professional development, training, and conference attendance.


• Employees enjoy a stimulating hybrid work environment in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , with state‑of‑the‑art office facilities and flexible remote work arrangements.


• Our client fosters a vibrant, innovative culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and work‑life balance.