Remote Lead Project Manager - Software Development

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office stipend

Annual performance bonuses

Stock options

Professional development

Generous PTO

Team-building events

Remote work flexibility

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Project Manager to guide end-to-end software delivery in a fully remote setup across South Africa. You will drive cross-functional teams, align stakeholders, and ensure value delivery through disciplined Agile practices and robust governance.

You will mentor engineers, manage budgets, risks, and vendor relations while fostering a remote-first culture that supports growth and well-being.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in project management; 5+ years in software development.
• Experience leading fully remote or distributed teams.
• CSM or equivalent Agile certification.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all phases of the SDLC.
• Lead and mentor project teams with Agile practices.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Act as primary contact for stakeholders.
• Identify risks and mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate remote collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure quality through testing and code reviews.
• Manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Agile

Remote experience

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/SE

Master’s degree 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.