Pipeline: Programme Manager

1001 Absa Bank; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Absa Bank in South Africa seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead and deliver complex, cross-functional Business Banking programmes, ensuring alignment to strategy, governance, and operational objectives while coordinating multiple interdependent projects and delivery teams.

Responsibilities include translating strategy into executable roadmaps, driving digital transformation, managing risks and budgets, and providing regular Exco-level updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in project/programme management advantageous.
• Certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or PgMP valued.
• Agile/SAFe and change management certifications beneficial.
• 10+ years in programme/project management or delivery leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of large-scale Business Banking programmes with cross-functional teams.
• Define programme scope, objectives and delivery approach aligned to business strategy.
• Oversee planning, execution and integration of all project workstreams.
• Ensure delivery within time, cost and quality parameters.
• Translate business strategy into executable programme roadmaps; drive transformation.
• Establish governance, risk controls, and compliance across programmes.
• Engage senior stakeholders with clear reporting to Exco and leadership.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and allocation of resources; track benefits realization.

Skills

Programme Management

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Agile Methodologies

Risk Management

Financial Management

Executive Communication

Change Management

Delivery Leadership

Business Banking knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Engineering/IT (NQF 7)

Postgraduate qualification in Project/Programme Management or Business

PM/PRINCE2/PgMP certification

Agile/SAFe certification

Prosci Change Management certification

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together ... one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Belonging at Absa Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

To lead and deliver complex, cross-functional Business Banking programmes that enable strategic priorities, drive transformation, and deliver measurable business outcomes. The Programme Manager is accountable for end-to-end programme delivery, ensuring alignment to business strategy, governance frameworks, and operational objectives while managing multiple interdependent projects, stakeholders, and delivery teams.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery Lead end-to-end delivery of large-scale Business Banking programmes (multi-project, multi-stream) Define programme scope, objectives, and delivery approach aligned to business strategy Oversee programme planning, execution, and integration of all project workstreams Ensure delivery within agreed time, cost, and quality parameters Strategy Execution & Transformation Translate Business Banking strategy into executable programme roadmaps Drive digital transformation, process optimisation, and operational efficiency initiatives Enable delivery of strategic outcomes through structured programme management Governance, Risk & Compliance Establish and manage programme governance frameworks, reporting structures, and controls Monitor programme risks, dependencies, and issues, ensuring mitigation plans are in place Ensure compliance with Absa policies, frameworks, and regulatory requirements Maintain audit-ready documentation across programme lifecycle Stakeholder Management Engage and influence senior stakeholders (Business, Technology, Risk, Operations) Provide clear programme reporting and updates to Exco and senior leadership Facilitate alignment and decision-making across cross-functional teams Act as the central point of accountability across delivery streams Financial & Resource Management Manage programme budgets, forecasts, and financial tracking Oversee resource allocation across projects and workstreams Ensure optimal utilisation of people, systems, and external vendors Change Management & Adoption Partner with Change and Business teams to ensure effective implementation and adoption Drive business readiness, communication, and training strategies Ensure benefits realisation and sustainability post-implementation Performance Tracking & Reporting Define and track programme KPIs, milestones, and deliverables Provide regular reporting on programme progress, risks, and outcomes Drive accountability across teams to meet delivery targets

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, IT, or related field (NQF Level 7) Postgraduate qualification in Project/Programme Management or Business – advantageous Certifications (Preferred) Programme/Project Management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, PgMP) Agile / SAFe certification Change Management certification (e.g. Prosci) – advantageous Experience 10+ years’ experience in programme/project management or delivery leadership Proven experience managing large, complex transformation programmes Strong background in financial services / banking (preferably Business Banking) Experience leading: Digital transformation initiatives Operational excellence / process optimisation programmes Cross-functional, multi-stakeholder delivery environments Track record of delivering programmes with measurable business impact Core Competencies (Critical) Technical / Functional Programme & Project Management (end-to-end delivery) Strategic planning and execution Financial management and budget control Risk management and governance Agile and waterfall delivery methodologies Benefits realisation and KPI tracking Behavioural Competencies Strong leadership and accountability Executive-level stakeholder management and influencing Strategic thinking and commercial acumen Excellent communication and presentation skills Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity Leadership Competencies (Senior Role) Ability to operate at Exco / senior leadership level Driving alignment across large, matrix organisations Leading transformation and change at scale Building high-performing delivery teams Coaching and mentoring project/programme teams Knowledge & Skills Requirements Strong understanding of Business Banking operations, products, and client segments Knowledge of banking risk, regulatory, and governance frameworks Experience working with: PMO frameworks and governance structures Data-driven decision-making and reporting Strong commercial and operational awareness Education Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

About Absa

At Absa, our story is not a single narrative. It’s thousands of individual journeys unfolding across Africa and beyond. From colleagues serving customers in local communities to teams shaping financial solutions across borders, Absa is built on people who bring their lived experiences, ambitions and perspectives into the workplace every day. Whether you’re starting your career, a seasoned leader or somewhere in between, your contribution is seen, valued and connected to something bigger. Our presence across Africa – which spans personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management, and insurance – exists because of the people who show up in their roles with purpose. Across Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, our colleagues are shaping what Absa becomes in each market. Beyond the continent, teams in global offices and a technology hub support and extend the stories that prove that African talent can lead, influence and innovate on the global stage. At Absa, your story matters because progress is driven by human experience, not hierarchy. When people are enabled to bring their whole selves to work, they don’t just build careers. They help shape the future of Africa’s financial services landscape.