Senior Program Manager - Digital Transformation & Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus plan

Premium health insurance

Stock options

Retirement plan

Learning & development opportunities

Executive coaching

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead a comprehensive digital transformation and innovation agenda for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will oversee a portfolio of interconnected programs that redefine business models, customer experiences, and operations through technology.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in program management with a strong track record in digital initiatives, AI, cloud, and data analytics, plus adept stakeholder management and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, with at least 5 years focused on leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven experience managing portfolios of complex, cross-functional technology projects.
• Deep understanding of digital strategy, emerging technologies (AI, Cloud, Data Analytics), and agile methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant organizational change and foster innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Oversee a portfolio of digital initiatives, programs, and projects, ensuring successful delivery, budget adherence, and strategic alignment.
• Lead and mentor program and project managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies and trends, translating them into strategic opportunities for the organization.
• Manage stakeholder relationships at all levels, including executive leadership, providing clear communication and driving buy-in for digital initiatives.
• Establish and refine governance frameworks, processes, and best practices for program and project management.
• Drive change management initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption of new digital tools, processes, and mindsets across the organization.
• Monitor program performance, track key metrics, and report on progress, risks, and ROI to senior leadership.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to break down silos and ensure integrated solutions.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation throughout the digital transformation journey.

Skills

Leadership

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Change management

Agile methodologies

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or Information Technology

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Smartsheet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of digital innovation, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Program Manager to lead its comprehensive digital transformation and innovation efforts. This is a fully remote position, offering the unique opportunity to shape the company's digital future from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of interconnected projects and initiatives designed to revolutionize our client's business models, customer experiences, and operational capabilities through technology. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of emerging technologies, and a proven ability to drive large-scale change within complex organizations. This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire teams and guide the organization towards sustained digital maturity. The impact of this role is significant, influencing operational strategies across all business units, including those servicing regions like Mahikeng, North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Oversee a portfolio of digital initiatives, programs, and projects, ensuring successful delivery, budget adherence, and strategic alignment.
• Lead and mentor program and project managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies and trends, translating them into strategic opportunities for the organization.
• Manage stakeholder relationships at all levels, including executive leadership, providing clear communication and driving buy-in for digital initiatives.
• Establish and refine governance frameworks, processes, and best practices for program and project management.
• Drive change management initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption of new digital tools, processes, and mindsets across the organization.
• Monitor program performance, track key metrics, and report on progress, risks, and ROI to senior leadership.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to break down silos and ensure integrated solutions.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation throughout the digital transformation journey.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, with at least 5 years focused on leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven experience managing portfolios of complex, cross-functional technology projects.
• Deep understanding of digital strategy, emerging technologies (AI, Cloud, Data Analytics), and agile methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant organizational change and foster innovation.
• Experience with program management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet).
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing substantial program budgets.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a fully remote or distributed leadership role is highly preferred.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers the ultimate flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a highly competitive executive-level salary, a significant performance-based bonus structure, and comprehensive executive benefits, including premium health insurance, a generous retirement plan, and stock options. Employees have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, including executive coaching and funding for advanced certifications. This role offers the chance to lead impactful, transformative initiatives from anywhere in the country, contributing directly to the company's strategic vision and growth.