Project Manager

Unconventional Ca; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic project development firm in Johannesburg seeks a Project Manager to oversee Enterprise and Supplier Development projects. The successful candidate will ensure timely project delivery, manage stakeholder relationships, and utilize analytical frameworks to track outcomes. Candidates should have strong project management skills, a relevant degree, and a passion for impact-driven results in an entrepreneurial setup. This role offers a hybrid working format, with travel to client sites as required.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in project management, preferably in consulting.
• Experience working with SMEs and understanding ESD/SED programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and track project plans and budgets.
• Oversee execution of ESD/SED programs and venture-building.
• Liaison with corporate clients and internal teams.
• Integrate Ember platform for monitoring and evaluation.
• Identify risks and ensure compliance with governance.

Skills

Strong project management expertise

Excellent stakeholder engagement

Ability to work with entrepreneurs

Analytical and data-driven approach

Knowledge of B-BBEE legislation

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Project Management certification

Job description

Job Specification

Project ManagerOrganisation : The Unconventional CA (UCA)Location : Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid, with travel to clients / sites as required)Reports to : COO / PMO LeadPurpose of the RoleThe Project Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of multiple Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD), Socio-Economic Development (SED), and venture-building projects at UCA.

Purpose of the Role

This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with client expectations and UCA's impact-driven approach.

The Project Manager will act as the central point of coordination between internal teams, SMMEs, corporate partners, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop, manage, and track detailed project plans, timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Oversee the execution of UCA's ESD / SED programmes, business development projects, and venture-building initiatives.
• Coordinate project kick-off meetings, progress check-ins, and closure sessions with clients and beneficiaries.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the key liaison between corporate clients, UCA internal teams, and supported SMMEs.
• Manage client communications and reporting, ensuring expectations are clearly set and met.
• Build strong relationships with entrepreneurs, suppliers, and strategic partners.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Integrate UCA's Ember platform into project delivery to capture diagnostics, KPIs, and impact metrics.
• Track and report on project outcomes such as revenue growth, jobs created, supplier compliance, and SDG alignment.
• Provide feedback and continuous improvement recommendations based on data-driven insights.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, B-BBEE, and ESD / SED programme requirements.
• Maintain project documentation for audit and reporting purposes.

Team & Resource Coordination

• Lead cross-functional teams across operations, marketing, finance, and coaching divisions.
• Allocate resources effectively and manage competing priorities.
• Mentor and support junior staff, interns, and associates on project delivery best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management expertise (planning, execution, monitoring, reporting).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to work with entrepreneurs and SMMEs in dynamic, high-growth environments.
• Analytical and data-driven approach with experience using dashboards and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of B-BBEE legislation, Enterprise & Supplier Development, and Socio-Economic Development programmes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Finance, or related field (postgraduate or MBA advantageous).
• Project Management certification (PMP, Prince2, Agile, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years' experience managing projects, preferably within consulting, development, or corporate ESD / SED programmes.
• Experience working with SMEs and entrepreneurs will be a strong advantage.
• Exposure to impact measurement, ESG, and UN SDG frameworks beneficial.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• % of projects delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Client satisfaction ratings and repeat business.
• Impact metrics (SMME revenue growth, jobs created, compliance improvements).
• Effectiveness of M&E reporting through Ember.
• Internal team collaboration and delivery efficiency.

Culture Fit

At UCA, we value entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, impact-driven results, and teamwork.

The Project Manager must thrive in ambiguity, be proactive in problem-solving, and be motivated by creating measurable impact for entrepreneurs, clients, and communities.