Project Manager – Office of the CEO

Initiate International; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international company is seeking a Project Manager in the Office of the CEO to drive strategic execution and manage high-impact projects. This pivotal role involves cross-functional collaboration, executive reporting, and ensuring projects align with the CEO’s priorities. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in project management and a strong grasp of organizational dynamics. This position offers a dynamic work environment in Sandton, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in project management or strategy execution.
• Proven record of managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience interfacing with senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage high-impact projects.
• Develop and track project plans and deliverables.
• Build concise dashboards and reports for executives.
• Facilitate cross-department collaboration.
• Anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
• Provide support to the CEO’s office.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Proficiency in project management tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Project Management

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Asana

Trello

MS Project

Monday.com

Job description

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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.