Remote Lead Project Manager - Software Development

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonuses

Health insurance

Stock options

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Project Manager to join a globally recognized software leader on a fully remote team. The role focuses on end-to-end delivery of complex software projects across South Africa, with opportunities for occasional meetups.

You will mentor distributed engineering teams, drive Agile practices (Scrum/Kanban), manage schedules and budgets, and ensure quality through reviews and testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/SE or related field; master's preferred.
• 10+ years in project management with at least 5 years in software development projects.
• Experience leading fully remote/distributed teams.
• Agile expert with Scrum Master certification (CSM) or equivalent.
• Strong leadership and remote collaboration and communication skills.
• Proficient with Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all phases of the software development lifecycle from requirements to post-launch support.
• Lead and mentor software development teams, promoting Agile practices and productivity.
• Develop detailed project schedules, resource plans, and budget forecasts.
• Primary contact for stakeholders, providing clear status updates.
• Identify risks and mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Facilitate collaboration among distributed team members via virtual meetings.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management and software processes.
• Ensure quality through testing and code reviews.
• Manage vendor relationships and external partnerships as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Agile practices

Remote team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Slack

Microsoft Teams

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in developing cutting-edge software solutions, is actively searching for a highly motivated and experienced Lead Project Manager to join their fully remote team. This position is based remotely, offering unparalleled flexibility for candidates across **South Africa**, though ideally situated within proximity for occasional optional team meetups. You will spearhead the end-to-end delivery of complex software development projects, guiding talented engineering teams through the entire product lifecycle. The ideal candidate will thrive in a distributed work environment, possess exceptional leadership qualities, and have a proven track record of successfully launching innovative software products. This role demands a strategic thinker capable of managing intricate dependencies, fostering collaboration across diverse teams, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and timely delivery. Join a company that champions a remote-first culture and invests in its employees' growth and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirement gathering and design to deployment and post-launch support.
• Lead and mentor software development project teams, promoting best practices in Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and ensuring efficient workflow and high productivity.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, resource allocation plans, and budget forecasts, ensuring all projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, including clients, development teams, and senior management, providing clear, concise, and regular status updates.
• Proactively identify potential project risks and impediments, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among globally distributed team members through effective use of virtual collaboration tools and regular virtual meetings.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the project management and software development processes, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of delivered software through rigorous testing, code reviews, and adherence to established standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and external partnerships as required for project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically focused on software development projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a fully remote or distributed environment.
• Expertise in Agile software development methodologies, including Scrum Master certification (CSM) or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, development processes, and modern technology stacks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills tailored for remote team collaboration.
• Proficiency with project management tools like Jira, Confluence, and relevant collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-platform software projects with significant technical challenges.
• Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets effectively.
• Experience in client-facing roles and managing client expectations.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa .
• Annual performance bonuses and potential for stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous allocation of paid time off and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced certifications and conferences.
• Company-provided home office setup stipend.
• Access to a vibrant online community and virtual team-building events.
• A culture that prioritizes work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Clear pathways for career progression into senior leadership roles.