Senior Program Manager - Digital Transformation

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement planning

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead strategic digital transformation initiatives for a premier financial services group in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee a complex portfolio of interdependent programs, modernizing digital platforms and enhancing customer experience.

We require 10+ years in program management with multi-million rand initiatives, PMI/PRINCE2/PMP credentials, and a track record in regulatory environments. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience also considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive program and project management experience in digital transformation.
• Proven track record managing multi-million rand programs with multiple interdependencies.
• Experience with PMI or PRINCE2 and related governance practices.
• Strong knowledge of digital technologies (cloud, AI, analytics).
• PMP or equivalent certification required.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Define, plan, and execute large-scale digital transformation programs.
• Manage a portfolio of projects with budgets, risks, and stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional teams across IT, business, and vendors.
• Establish robust program governance and performance metrics.
• Facilitate decision-making and resolve complex issues across programs.
• Support change management and adoption of new digital solutions.
• Contribute to the company's digital strategy and roadmap.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Change management

Governance frameworks

PM methodologies

Risk management

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or IT

Bachelor's degree with extensive experience

Tools

PMI

PRINCE2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the financial services sector, is actively seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager to lead strategic digital transformation initiatives. This challenging role is located in the vibrant coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of interconnected projects aimed at modernizing our digital platforms and enhancing customer experience. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive significant change within a forward-thinking organization and shape the future of digital services in the South African market. We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven ability to manage complex programs and deliver tangible business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, plan, and execute large-scale digital transformation programs, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, including resource allocation, budget oversight, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams comprising IT, business, and third-party vendors.
• Develop and implement robust program governance frameworks and performance metrics.
• Facilitate key decision-making processes and resolve complex issues and conflicts across program initiatives.
• Ensure effective change management strategies are in place to support the adoption of new digital solutions.
• Monitor program progress, identify key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on status, risks, and dependencies to executive leadership.
• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders, vendors, and partners to ensure successful program delivery.
• Drive innovation and best practices in program and project management, particularly within digital transformation contexts.
• Contribute to the development of the company's long-term digital strategy and roadmap.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program and project management, with a strong focus on digital transformation in the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-million rand programs with multiple interdependencies.
• Expertise in program management methodologies (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2) and tools.
• Strong understanding of digital technologies, trends, and implementation strategies (e.g., cloud, AI, mobile, data analytics).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to influence and drive change at all organizational levels.
• Experience working within regulatory environments in Durban and South Africa.
• PMP or equivalent program management certification is required.
• Ability to travel as required for project needs.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package, including annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement planning benefits.
• Opportunity to lead transformative projects in a leading financial institution.
• Generous leave allowance and professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• A dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and growth.