Program Manager

M&G Investments Southern Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services organization in Cape Town is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the delivery of their program portfolio and ensure strategic alignment with organizational objectives. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in program management and a strong background in financial services or asset management. This role involves leadership, resource management, and budget oversight, offering an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program and project management roles.
• Proven track record managing large-scale program portfolios.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the delivery of all programs within the portfolio.
• Establish governance frameworks and reporting mechanisms.
• Provide guidance and oversight to project managers.
• Allocate resources across programs and projects effectively.
• Prepare and manage program budgets and forecasts.
• Lead and mentor program office staff and project managers.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Operational execution

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving ability

Leadership

Agile mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, IT, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PMBOK

PRINCE2

Agile methodologies

Budgeting tools

Job description

Overview

The Program Manager is responsible and accountable for the delivery of the entire program portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment with organisational objectives. This includes managing the program office, overseeing project execution, resource allocation, budget input and tracking, and providing leadership through line management. Industry experience in financial services or asset management is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Program Portfolio Delivery

Own the delivery of all programs within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with business strategy. Monitor performance, risks, and dependencies across programs. Report progress to senior stakeholders and governance boards.

Program Office Management

Establish governance frameworks, standards, and reporting mechanisms. Ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous improvement in program management practices.

Project Management Oversight

Provide guidance and oversight to project managers. Ensure projects meet scope, time, cost, and quality objectives. Facilitate issue resolution and risk mitigation.

Resource Management

Allocate resources across programs and projects effectively. Manage capacity planning and resolve resource conflicts. Support recruitment and onboarding of team members.

Budget Input and Tracking

Prepare and manage program budgets and forecasts. Track expenditures, analyze variances, and ensure financial accountability. Collaborate with finance teams for accurate reporting.

Line Management

Lead and mentor program office staff and project managers. Conduct performance reviews and support career development. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Attributes, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, IT, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in program and project management roles.
• Proven track record managing large-scale program portfolios in complex environments.
• Industry experience in financial services or asset management highly desirable.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or equivalent preferred.
• Expertise in program and project management methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile).
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial tracking, and resource planning tools.
• Leadership and people management experience.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution.
• Creative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Collaborative and influential leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly organised and structured, able to manage complexity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Adaptable with an agile, flexible mindset.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Proactive, forward-thinking, and able to anticipate challenges.
• High integrity and accountability in delivery.