Project Manager - Financial Services Innovation

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Career progression and training

Hybrid work model

Access to cutting-edge fintech tech

Team events and wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead the development of new financial products and digital innovations in Sandton, Johannesburg. You will guide initiatives from concept to launch, collaborating with product owners, technology, compliance and marketing teams.

The role requires 5–7 years of PM experience in financial services, familiarity with fintech and digital platforms, and strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Computer Science or related field.
• PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in project management, preferably in financial services.
• Experience managing fintech solutions, digital banking, payment systems or regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of financial products, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of projects related to new financial product development, digital platforms, and process improvements.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans including schedules, resources, budgets and risk strategies.
• Lead cross-functional project teams with effective collaboration and communication.
• Coordinate stakeholder alignment across business units, IT, compliance and external partners.
• Oversee project execution, monitor progress and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Conduct post-project reviews and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Communicate project status, milestones, risks and issues to all relevant parties.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business/CS

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative financial services institution, is seeking a talented Project Manager to spearhead exciting new product development and digital innovation projects. This role is based in the heart of Johannesburg's financial district in Sandton, Gauteng , offering a strategic position within a forward-thinking organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of financial services, coupled with proven project management expertise in delivering complex, technology-driven initiatives. You will be responsible for managing projects from concept to launch, collaborating closely with product owners, technology teams, compliance, and marketing departments. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of financial services, drive customer experience enhancements, and contribute to the company's competitive edge. We are looking for a results-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. The role requires a blend of technical acumen and business insight to successfully navigate the complexities of the financial sector. Embrace this chance to lead transformative projects in a stimulating professional setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of projects related to new financial product development, digital platforms, and process improvements.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including schedules, resource allocation, budgets, and risk management strategies.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment and manage expectations across business units, IT, compliance, and external partners.
• Oversee the execution of projects, track progress, and implement corrective actions to address deviations.
• Ensure all projects comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies within the financial services industry.
• Conduct post-project reviews, document lessons learned, and contribute to the continuous improvement of project management practices.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
• Communicate project status, key milestones, risks, and issues effectively to all relevant parties.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Computer Science, or a related field.
• PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects involving fintech solutions, digital banking, payment systems, or regulatory compliance.
• Excellent understanding of financial products, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with diverse teams, including IT, business operations, and compliance.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career progression and specialized training in financial innovation.
• A stimulating work environment in a leading financial institution.
• Hybrid working model to support work-life integration.
• Access to cutting-edge financial technology and resources.
• Regular team social events and networking opportunities.
• Employee wellness programs and support.