Project Manager - Financial Services Transformation

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement benefits

Professional development

Advanced financial tech exposure

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Project Manager in Klerksdorp to lead critical transformation initiatives within a leading financial services institution. You will manage the full lifecycle from scope to implementation, working with business units, IT and compliance to ensure regulatory alignment.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in project management in financial services, strong leadership and communication skills, and a solid background in Agile/Waterfall methodologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in project management, with substantial financial services experience.
• Proven track record delivering complex projects (system upgrades, process re-engineering, regulatory initiatives).
• Strong understanding of financial products, services and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAIS, POPIA).
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in PM methodologies ( Agile/Waterfall ) and tools.
• Ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Business, IT, or related field.
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end delivery of transformation projects within financial services.
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, budgets and resource allocation.
• Oversee execution, track progress and mitigate risks/issues.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.
• Facilitate effective communication and stakeholder management across teams.
• Manage vendor relationships and integration of third-party solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews and document lessons learned.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Agile/Waterfall

Education

Finance/IT degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent institution in the financial services sector, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Manager to lead critical transformation initiatives. This role is based in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA , and involves managing projects that modernize systems, enhance customer experience, and streamline operations. You will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from defining scope and objectives to ensuring successful implementation and stakeholder buy-in. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of financial services operations and a proven track record of delivering complex projects within regulated environments. This is an exciting opportunity to drive significant change and innovation within a leading financial organization. You will work closely with business units, IT, and compliance teams to ensure projects meet strategic goals and regulatory requirements. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the financial industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end delivery of transformation projects within the financial services domain.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Oversee project execution, track progress, and identify/mitigate risks and issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and internal policies.
• Facilitate effective communication and stakeholder management across diverse teams.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure successful integration of third-party solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews and document lessons learned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of project management experience, with a significant portion in the financial services industry.
• Proven experience managing complex projects such as system upgrades, process re-engineering, or regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Strong understanding of financial products, services, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAIS, POPIA).
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile/Waterfall) and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Business, IT, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Exposure to strategic initiatives within a leading financial institution.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Access to advanced financial technologies.
• Potential for career progression within the organization.