Project Manager - Financial Services Compliance

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Generous leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Cutting-edge fintech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Project Manager in the Western Cape to lead critical compliance and regulatory projects for a prominent financial institution. The role blends on-site collaboration in Paarl with remote work flexibility to drive regulatory initiatives across FAIS, FICA, and POPIA compliance.

You will manage cross-functional teams, craft detailed project plans, assess risks, and ensure outcomes meet regulatory standards while delivering on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, or related field.
• Master's degree or professional certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8 years of project management experience in financial services.
• Proven experience managing compliance/regulatory/risk projects in banking or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of SA financial regulations (FAIS, FICA, POPIA).
• Hybrid work model with travel to Paarl as needed.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of compliance and regulatory projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop detailed project plans including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across legal, risk, IT, and business units.
• Identify and manage risks and issues related to regulatory compliance and financial operations.
• Ensure deliverables meet regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Communicate with senior management, regulators, and stakeholders about project progress.
• Oversee procurement of external services and resources as needed.
• Implement new compliance policies and technological solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial services regulations and best practices.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory frameworks (FAIS/FICA/POPIA

Hybrid work travel to Paarl

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, or related field

Master's degree or professional certification (PMP, CFA, FRM)

Tools

MS Project

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution with operations in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead critical compliance and regulatory projects. This role operates on a hybrid basis, requiring a balance of on-site presence for collaboration with teams in Paarl and remote work flexibility. You will be instrumental in managing projects designed to ensure adherence to evolving financial regulations, implement new compliance frameworks, and enhance risk management processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial services, a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes (e.g., FAIS, FICA, POPIA), and proven project management expertise. This is a vital role contributing to the integrity and stability of the organization's operations within the dynamic Western Cape financial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of compliance and regulatory projects, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Coordinate project teams comprising legal, risk, IT, and business unit stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues, particularly those related to regulatory compliance and financial operations.
• Ensure project deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and satisfy all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate effective communication and reporting to senior management, regulatory bodies, and project stakeholders.
• Manage the procurement of external services and resources as required for project execution.
• Oversee the implementation of new compliance policies, procedures, and technological solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate success, capture lessons learned, and identify areas for continuous improvement in compliance processes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial services regulations and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., PMP, CFA, FRM) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of project management experience, with a significant focus on the financial services industry.
• Proven experience managing compliance, regulatory, or risk management projects within a banking, investment, or insurance environment.
• In-depth knowledge of South African financial regulations (e.g., FAIS Act, FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).
• Strong understanding of financial products, markets, and operational risks.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model and travel to Paarl as needed.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Experience working within the Western Cape financial hub is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including regulatory and project management training.
• Access to cutting-edge financial technology and systems.
• A dynamic work environment within a respected financial institution.
• Potential for career advancement into senior compliance or risk management roles.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.