Senior IT Project Manager - Cybersecurity Initiatives

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary package

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior IT Project Manager with cybersecurity specialization for a hybrid role in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on leading cybersecurity initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory compliance across high-stakes projects.

You will oversee cross-functional teams, define scope and KPIs, manage budgets, and report to executives. A strong security background and PM expertise are essential for driving resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT project management, with at least 5 years focused on cybersecurity projects.
• Proven track record of delivering complex cybersecurity initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, or CompTIA Security+ are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of cybersecurity projects including security infrastructure upgrades and threat detection systems.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, success criteria, and KPIs.
• Develop comprehensive project plans with timelines, resources, budgets, and risk management.
• Manage cross-functional project teams including security analysts and IT professionals.
• Ensure adherence to cybersecurity best practices and regulatory requirements (ISO 27001, NIST).
• Facilitate reporting to stakeholders including executive leadership.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of cybersecurity solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and drive improvements.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial institution based in Polokwane, Limpopo , is seeking a highly experienced Senior IT Project Manager with a specialization in cybersecurity initiatives. This hybrid role is crucial for safeguarding the organization's digital assets and ensuring robust security posture against evolving threats. You will lead critical projects focused on enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, implementing advanced security solutions, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices, project management methodologies, and a proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects in a collaborative hybrid work environment. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the security and resilience of a major organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of cybersecurity projects, including security infrastructure upgrades, threat detection systems implementation, and vulnerability management programs.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, success criteria, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, budgets, and risk management strategies.
• Manage cross-functional project teams, including security analysts, IT professionals, and external consultants.
• Ensure adherence to cybersecurity best practices, industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST), and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate effective communication and reporting to stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues, and implement timely corrective actions.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee the procurement of cybersecurity solutions.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT project management, with at least 5 years focused on cybersecurity projects.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex cybersecurity initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, or CompTIA Security+ are highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources for large-scale security projects.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work setting, collaborating effectively both remotely and in the office.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including superior medical aid, retirement planning, and life insurance. Continuous professional development, including advanced cybersecurity training and certifications, is strongly encouraged and supported. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work both remotely and from our state-of-the-art facilities in Polokwane , fostering an optimal work-life balance. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure in Limpopo .