Project Manager (Office of the CEO)

Initiate International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in South Africa is seeking a Project Manager for the Office of the CEO in Johannesburg. The role involves driving strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and ensuring alignment with executive priorities. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years of experience in project management, and strong communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to work at the strategic core of the business in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management or strategy execution required.
• Experience in a corporate, consulting, or executive office environment preferred.
• Ability to deliver multiple concurrent projects with precision.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage high-impact projects across business functions.
• Develop and track detailed project plans and deliverables.
• Build and deliver dashboards and reports for executive visibility.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and communication.
• Anticipate challenges and propose solutions proactively.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Emotional intelligence

Proficiency in project management tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or a related discipline

Postgraduate qualification preferred

Tools

Asana

Trello

MS Project

Monday.com

Job description

Project Manager (Office of the CEO) requiredin Johannesburg.

As Project Manager in the Office of the CEO, you will operate at the strategic core of the business — translating vision into execution.

This is not a traditional PM role; it’s a pivotal position designed for someone who thrives in dynamic, high-stakes environments, driving complex initiatives that cut across multiple departments and directly influence executive decision-making.

You’ll act as the connective tissue between leadership and delivery teams, ensuring that strategic objectives don’t just stay on paper — they happen.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive Strategic Execution: Coordinate and manage high-impact projects that span across business functions, ensuring alignment with the CEO’s priorities and company strategy.
• Operational Excellence: Develop, track, and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, and deliverables — ensuring timelines and standards are met.
• Executive Reporting: Build and deliver concise dashboards and reports that provide the CEO and COO with visibility into progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration across departments, fostering a culture of accountability and seamless communication.
• Risk & Issue Management: Anticipate challenges early, propose pragmatic solutions, and ensure issues are escalated appropriately.
• Leadership Support: Provide direct operational and strategic support to the CEO’s office — from managing special projects to preparing board presentations and executive briefs.
• Governance & Alignment: Maintain a centralized view of all executive-level initiatives, ensuring coherence across the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Meeting & Action Management: Lead project meetings, document key decisions, and ensure follow-up actions are executed to completion.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or a related discipline (Postgraduate qualification preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience in project management or strategy execution, ideally within a corporate, consulting, or executive office environment.
• Proven record of successfully delivering multiple concurrent projects with precision and pace.
• Strong grasp of organizational dynamics, business operations, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with senior executives and managing stakeholder expectations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the confidence to engage at executive level.
• High emotional intelligence and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Asana, Trello, MS Project, or Monday.com.
• Resilient, resourceful, and capable of thriving in a fast-changing, deadline-driven environment.
• Independent thinker with strong ownership and initiative.

What Success Looks Like:

• Projects are delivered on time, on scope, and on strategy.
• The CEO and executive team have clear visibility into organizational performance and priorities.
• Cross-departmental execution is streamlined and collaborative.
• The Office of the CEO operates with clarity, precision, and measurable impact.