Project Manager - SME Business Growth Initiatives

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement provisions

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Project Manager to lead initiatives focused on SME growth in Mahikeng, North West. You will oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of a portfolio of SME support projects, collaborating with entrepreneurs, mentors, and partner organizations to deliver resources and training.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of SME challenges, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a passion for driving economic development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent in business/commerce/economics fields.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in project management, preferably in business development or economic development.
• Experience managing multiple projects or programs simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of SME challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and standard office software.
• Experience in event management and stakeholder engagement is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for supporting SMEs and driving economic growth.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor SME growth and development projects.
• Define project objectives, scope, deliverables, and success metrics in consultation with stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines efficiently.
• Coordinate activities with SMEs, mentors, training providers, and funding partners.
• Assess SME needs and tailor project interventions accordingly.
• Track project progress and report outcomes and impact to management and stakeholders.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and networking events for SME participants.
• Maintain effective communication and relationship management with stakeholders.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Organization

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Commerce, or related field

Tools

Project management software

Office productivity tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a business support organization focused on empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), is seeking a dedicated Project Manager to lead initiatives aimed at fostering SME growth and development. This role involves managing a portfolio of projects designed to provide SMEs with resources, training, and strategic guidance to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability. You will be responsible for project planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation, working closely with entrepreneurs, business mentors, and partner organizations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of SME challenges and a passion for driving economic development. This is a crucial role in supporting the business ecosystem in Mahikeng, North West.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor SME growth and development projects.
• Define project objectives, scope, deliverables, and success metrics in consultation with stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines efficiently.
• Coordinate activities with SMEs, mentors, training providers, and funding partners.
• Assess the needs of SMEs and tailor project interventions accordingly.
• Track project progress and report on outcomes and impact to management and stakeholders.
• Identify potential risks and challenges to project delivery and implement mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and networking events for SME participants.
• Ensure effective communication and relationship management with all project stakeholders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented initiatives and recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in project management, preferably in areas related to business development, entrepreneurship support, or economic development.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects or programs simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and standard office software.
• Experience in event management and stakeholder engagement is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for supporting small businesses and driving economic growth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A flexible hybrid work arrangement promotes a healthy work-life balance.