Lead Software Development Project Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund contribution

Flexible work arrangement

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Software Development Project Manager to oversee multiple software projects from inception to deployment in Cape Town. You will bridge technical and business teams, ensuring timely delivery and high quality across the SDLC.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in software project management, strong leadership, and expertise with Agile and Waterfall methodologies. This role offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for strategic impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in software development project management.
• Proven cross-functional software development leadership.
• Strong SDLC knowledge: Agile (Scrum/Kanban) and Waterfall.
• Experience with various programming languages and databases is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or similar PM tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Experience managing offshore/nearshore teams is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of software development projects from concept to deployment and support.
• Define scope, goals, and deliverables with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed schedules, allocate resources, and manage budgets.
• Facilitate stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Communicate progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders including executive leadership.
• Ensure adherence to best practices and SDLC standards.
• Mentor team members and manage vendor/partner relationships.
• Implement and refine PM tools and methodologies to boost performance.

Skills

Lead teams

SDLC knowledge

Jira/Confluence

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting & risk

Multitask leadership

Cape Town based

Education

Bachelor in CS/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology firm renowned for its innovative software solutions, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Software Development Project Manager to join their esteemed team in Cape Town . This critical role will involve managing multiple software development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery, and upholding the highest standards of quality. The successful candidate will be instrumental in bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating complex requirements into deliverable software features. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to the strategic direction of product development and lead a talented group of engineers. We are looking for an individual with a strong technical background, exceptional leadership qualities, and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of the software development lifecycle in a fast‑paced environment. The role is based at our client's modern offices in Cape Town , offering a vibrant and collaborative workspace.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the full lifecycle of software development projects, from concept and design through to deployment and post-launch support. Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders. Develop detailed project schedules, manage resource allocation, and oversee project budgets effectively. Facilitate daily stand‑ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives for development teams. Communicate project progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership. Ensure that software development processes adhere to best practices and industry standards. Identify and manage project dependencies and critical paths. Coach and mentor project team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Manage relationships with external vendors and partners as required. Implement and refine project management tools and methodologies to optimize team performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in software development project management.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional software development teams.
• Strong understanding of SDLC methodologies, including Agile (Scrum, Kanban) and Waterfall.
• Experience with various programming languages and database technologies is beneficial.
• Proficiency in using project management tools like Jira, Confluence, or similar.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Experience in managing offshore/nearshore development teams is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Cape Town .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits suite. This includes private medical insurance, a generous pension fund contribution, and substantial opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the company. Our Cape Town office provides a state-of-the-art working environment, and employees enjoy a flexible work arrangement. We value work‑life balance and provide ample paid time off. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading tech company and make a significant impact on its product roadmap.