Project Manager - SME Business Growth Programs

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rates

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Manager on a contract basis to oversee SME growth programs in the North West Province, with on-site duties in Mahikeng. You will lead project lifecycles, coordinate training, and drive outcomes for local businesses.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of project management experience in SME development, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and proficiency with Trello, Asana, and MS Project. This role emphasizes on-site interaction with beneficiaries and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in project management, with SME development or business support experience.
• Proven ability to manage projects from initiation to completion, delivering measurable results.
• Strong understanding of SME challenges and growth drivers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor SME business growth programs, ensuring successful delivery against objectives.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Identify and engage with target SMEs, assessing their needs and tailoring program support.
• Develop and deliver training workshops and mentorship sessions for entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate access to funding and market opportunities for participating businesses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and business associations.
• Track program progress, measure impact, and prepare comprehensive reports on key performance indicators.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring smooth program operations.
• Foster a collaborative environment among participating SMEs and program staff.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines and reporting requirements.

Skills

Project management

SME development

Stakeholder engagement

Training delivery

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Trello

Asana

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an organization dedicated to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the North West Province, is seeking a skilled Project Manager on a contract basis to oversee business growth programs. This role is vital in supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses through various development initiatives, including training, access to finance, and market development. You will manage the full project lifecycle, ensuring programs are delivered effectively and meet their intended outcomes. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in project management, preferably within the small business support or enterprise development sector, and a passion for fostering economic growth. This position is based in Mahikeng, North West, requiring regular on-site presence to engage directly with beneficiaries and stakeholders. We are looking for a results-oriented individual who can effectively manage diverse projects and drive sustainable business growth for SMEs in the Mahikeng area. This role offers a chance to make a significant positive impact on the local economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor SME business growth programs, ensuring successful delivery against objectives.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Identify and engage with target SMEs, assessing their needs and tailoring program support.
• Develop and deliver training workshops and mentorship sessions for entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate access to funding and market opportunities for participating businesses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and business associations.
• Track program progress, measure impact, and prepare comprehensive reports on key performance indicators.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring smooth program operations.
• Foster a collaborative environment among participating SMEs and program staff.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in project management, with specific experience in SME development, business support, or a similar field.
• Proven ability to manage projects from initiation to completion, delivering measurable results.
• Strong understanding of SME challenges and growth drivers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs is a plus.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, MS Project).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the Mahikeng, North West business landscape is highly advantageous.

Benefits

As a contractor, you will benefit from competitive contract rates. This role offers invaluable experience in SME development and entrepreneurship support. While specific benefits are managed through your contracting entity, our client provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, with opportunities to engage directly with business owners and contribute to their success in Mahikeng.