Programme Manager

Rhodes University; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in South Africa is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the Actuarial Modernisation Programme. The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in project management within Financial Services, with a strong understanding of actuarial processes and the ability to manage complex programmes. Candidates should have skills in stakeholder engagement and change management, ensuring strategic objectives are met within set budgets and timelines. Certifications in PMP, PRINCE2, or SAFe preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in project/programme management within Financial Services.
• Proven ability to manage multi-workstream programmes and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of financial reporting and automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Actuarial Modernisation Programme end-to-end.
• Drive the 2026 automation/workflow implementation.
• Manage internal teams and external vendors effectively.
• Establish and run programme governance.
• Oversee planning, RAID management, and compliance.
• Drive organisational change and adoption.

Skills

Project management expertise in Financial Services

Understanding of actuarial processes

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication skills

Resilience in complex environments

Education

PMP, PRINCE2 and/or SAFe certification

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager or Programme Manager to lead the Actuarial Modernisation Programme. The ideal candidate will have deep Financial Services delivery experience, strong command of actuarial/finance transformation and proven ability to manage internal and external teams (vendors, Business Segment stakeholders and project teams). This role requires strategic leadership, governance and hands‑on delivery capability across actuarial and finance processes.

Project Overview

Actuarial finance modernisation is a global priority driven by IFRS 17, regulatory pressures, and the need for actuarial teams to deliver timely insights and act as strategic business partners. Over the next three years, the programme will build on IFRS 17 foundations to modernise the actuarial finance landscape—enhancing automation, reducing reporting pressures and costs, and improving the employee value proposition (EVP) for actuaries.

Future Phases (to be assessed)

• Design and implement a modern actuarial modelling platform to replace Prophet.
• Replace DCS as the data conversion infrastructure solution.
• Develop appropriate data warehousing and analytical tools for model outputs.
• Select and migrate to an appropriate hosting platform for all solutions.
• Investigate and pilot advanced technologies to define the future roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Actuarial Modernisation Programme end‑to‑end, ensuring delivery of strategic objectives within scope, budget and timelines.
• Drive the 2026 automation/workflow/controls implementation using vendor tools; establish phased rollouts across Business Segments.
• Manage internal delivery teams and external vendors, ensuring accountability and performance.
• Establish and run programme governance (SteerCo, Design Authority etc.).
• Oversee planning, RAID management, and governance compliance.
• Prepare foundations for future phases (modelling platform replacement, DCS replacement, warehousing/analytics).
• Drive organisational change, training, and adoption; ensure benefits realisation.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years in project/programme management within Financial Services.
• Understanding of actuarial processes, financial reporting and automation technologies.
• Proven ability to manage multi‑workstream programmes, vendors and senior stakeholders.
• PMP, PRINCE2 and/or SAFe certification preferred.

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with pragmatic delivery focus.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Resilient and adaptable in a complex environment.