Lead Project Manager - Software Development Lifecycle

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

provident fund

Training and certifications

Leave allowance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Project Manager in Gauteng to drive software development initiatives across the SDLC. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage stakeholders, and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of software solutions aligned with business goals.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in project management with at least 4 years in software development, strong Agile experience (Scrum/Kanban), and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple software development projects across SDLC.
• Define scope, goals, deliverables, and resources with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed plans, schedules and budgets.
• Mentor teams and foster collaboration and accountability.
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies and risk management.
• Manage vendor relationships for development tools/services.
• Ensure quality and timely delivery of software solutions.
• Communicate status and risks to stakeholders at all levels.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Scrum

Kanban

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Jira

Confluence

SDLC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the financial technology space, is looking for an experienced Lead Project Manager to spearhead their software development initiatives. This critical role is based in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, and involves overseeing the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for key product enhancements and new feature rollouts. You will be responsible for guiding project teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of software solutions that drive business growth. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of agile development principles, a robust history of managing complex software projects, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. You will collaborate closely with product owners, engineers, QA teams, and other stakeholders to align project goals with strategic business objectives. The role demands a proactive approach to problem‑solving and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple software development projects concurrently, from initiation through deployment and post-launch support.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and required resources in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring they are realistic and achievable.
• Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives in an Agile environment.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, implementing mitigation strategies effectively.
• Ensure that all project deliverables meet the highest quality standards and are aligned with client requirements.
• Communicate project status, key milestones, and risks to stakeholders at all levels through regular reporting.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts related to software development tools and services.
• Drive the adoption and adherence to best practices in software project management and development processes.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of project management experience, with at least 4 years focused on software development projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and proficiency in related tools (Jira, Confluence).
• Solid understanding of the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams including developers, QAs, UI/UX designers, and business analysts.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets and timelines effectively.
• Experience with client‑facing projects and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of R , reflecting your expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certifications.
• A vibrant and supportive team culture.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Access to innovative projects within the FinTech sector.
• Exposure to cutting-edge software development practices.
• A structured career progression path.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Stable employment with a well-established organization.