Remote Lead Project Manager - Technology & Innovation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Lead Project Manager to guide technology and innovation initiatives from ideation to market launch. You will lead dispersed teams across researchers, developers, designers, and product managers, shaping strategy and delivering on an innovation roadmap.

The role requires an advanced degree, 9–12 years in project management, strong knowledge of agile frameworks, and exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and substantial experience in project management for technology development and innovation.
• Strong understanding of agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and rapid prototyping.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for influence at all levels.
• Experience managing budgets and teams in fast-paced, innovative environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of technology and innovation projects.
• Manage multi-location teams including researchers, developers, designers, and product managers across time zones.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables and success metrics aligned with the roadmap.
• Develop, monitor and adjust detailed project plans, budgets and resources.
• Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation and continuous learning.
• Oversee development and implementation of new products and solutions and ensure adoption across the business.

Skills

Agile (Scrum/Kanban)

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Ph.D. (strong plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm at the forefront of innovation, is actively seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Remote Lead Project Manager to guide transformative technology and innovation projects. This position is fully remote, empowering top talent to contribute to groundbreaking initiatives from anywhere. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of innovation projects, from ideation and strategic planning through to development, implementation, and market launch. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of emerging technologies, agile methodologies, and a demonstrated ability to lead complex, high-impact projects with dispersed teams. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology and drive significant business growth for our client, with strong collaborative links to innovation hubs including **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and execution of technology and innovation projects. Manage project teams comprising researchers, developers, designers, and product managers, often across multiple locations and time zones. Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success metrics in alignment with the company's innovation roadmap. Develop and manage detailed project plans, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of resources. Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning within project teams. Oversee the development and implementation of new products, services, and technological solutions. Identify and mitigate project risks, including technological challenges, market shifts, and resource constraints. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including executive leadership, engineering teams, and external partners. Track project progress, manage milestones, and provide regular, comprehensive reports on project status and outcomes. Ensure successful adoption and integration of innovative solutions within the business and customer base.

Requirements

Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Ph.D. or relevant advanced technical certifications are a strong plus. Minimum of 9-12 years of experience in project management, with a substantial focus on technology development, R&D, and innovation initiatives. Proven experience in managing the full lifecycle of product development and technology implementation projects. Strong understanding of agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and experience with rapid prototyping and iterative development. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Proficiency in modern project management and collaboration tools suitable for remote teams. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Experience engaging with innovation ecosystems, potentially including those in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant performance bonuses, and equity options for outstanding contributions. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous retirement plan contributions, are provided. We champion continuous learning through access to cutting-edge resources, online courses, and industry conferences. As a fully remote role, employees enjoy unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. This position offers the chance to work on transformative projects that define the future of technology, contributing to our client's global leadership from anywhere, while maintaining connections to research and development centers like those in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**.