Remote Lead Project Manager - Software Development

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead Project Manager to steer a fully remote software development team. You will define methodologies, scale Agile practices, and mentor senior and junior project managers while aligning portfolios with strategic goals.

Applicants should bring 10+ years in project management, with 7+ in software projects, and strong remote leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills to drive delivery across multiple initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of project management experience, 7+ in software projects.
• 5+ years in Lead Project Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Agile (Scrum, Kanban) at scale.
• Excellent remote collaboration and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Project Managers.
• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of multiple software projects.
• Define and refine PM methodologies and standards.
• Ensure Agile adoption across teams.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and Engineering Leads on scope and deliverables.
• Identify and mitigate project risks.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and team performance.
• Maintain clear communication with senior leadership.
• Deliver comprehensive project status reports and dashboards.
• Support portfolio planning and strategic decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Agile

Project management

Jira

Confluence

SDLC

Remote leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-paced and innovative software development house, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Project Manager to join their fully remote team. This critical role will involve leading a team of project managers and overseeing the delivery of complex, cutting-edge software solutions. You will be responsible for defining project methodologies, ensuring consistent execution, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with senior leadership to align project portfolios with strategic business goals. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of software development lifecycles, a passion for Agile principles, and a proven ability to lead and inspire remote teams. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of software development projects in a dynamic, collaborative, and location-independent environment. We are looking for a leader who can drive excellence and foster innovation from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Project Managers, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple large-scale software development projects concurrently.
• Define and refine project management methodologies, standards, and best practices across the organization.
• Ensure consistent adoption and application of Agile principles (Scrum, Kanban) within project teams.
• Collaborate closely with Product Owners, Engineering Leads, and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and impediments, escalating as necessary.
• Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and timelines to ensure efficient delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in project processes and team performance.
• Establish and maintain clear, effective communication channels with all project stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive project status reports, performance metrics, and dashboards.
• Champion a culture of quality, collaboration, and accountability within the project management function.
• Contribute to strategic planning and portfolio management decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, with at least 7 years focused specifically on software development projects.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Lead Project Manager or similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and experience implementing them at scale.
• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and mentoring capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, Git, etc.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and resources effectively in a remote setting.
• PMP, CSM, CSPO, or SAFe certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering an exceptional salary package, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision), and a generous retirement savings plan.
• We provide a home office setup allowance and support continuous learning through training budgets and conference attendance.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking company culture that values innovation and collaboration, with significant opportunities for career growth and leadership.
• Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from anywhere while contributing to impactful software projects.