Senior Project Manager

Platform45; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform45 Rosebank, Johannesburg, is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the delivery of complex software development projects. You will lead cross-functional teams and act as the primary bridge between clients and delivery groups to ensure alignment and transparent delivery.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, proactive risk and dependency management, and the ability to manage scope, time, cost and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• PMP, CSM, or equivalent certification.
• 7+ years’ experience managing complex software development projects.
• Strong experience with Agile (Scrum, Kanban) and traditional methodologies (Waterfall).
• Proficiency in tools such as Jira, MS Project, Trello, or similar.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including risk management.
• Experience in data-driven reporting and performance tracking.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive project scope, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Own end-to-end project execution, ensuring delivery against objectives.
• Monitor progress, manage dependencies, and remove blockers proactively.
• Partner with Finance to manage project budgets and resource utilisation.
• Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, product, design, QA) for delivery consistency.
• Act as primary client-facing liaison and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Plan and allocate resources to optimise delivery outcomes.
• Deliver standardised weekly project reporting and escalate risks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in PM/ related field

PMP or CSM certification

Tools

Jira

MS Project

Trello

Job description

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Department: Operations and Delivery Reports to: Project Director

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg (Hybrid 3 days in-office per week)

*On-site for first 3 months of employment

WHO PLATFORM45 IS

We are responsible for code changing the lives of people around the world, every day. We solve complex problems and build bold ideas. We believe in the power of technology to make the world a better place. We challenge conformity, build smarter solutions, and create better ways of working. We exist to unleash the potential of people through the power of technology. Together, we are people multiplied by tech - driving meaningful change globally.

CONTEXT | THE ROLE

As a Senior Project Manager, you are accountable for the successful delivery of complex software development projects—balancing scope, time, cost, and quality.

You will lead cross-functional teams and serve as the primary bridge between clients and delivery teams, ensuring alignment, transparency, and consistent delivery excellence.

This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to proactively manage risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced environment.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES | THE WHAT & THE HOW

Project Planning & Delivery

• Define and drive project scope, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Own end-to-end project execution, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives.
• Monitor progress, manage dependencies, and remove blockers proactively.

Budget & Commercial Oversight

• Partner with the Project Director and Finance to manage project budgets.
• Ensure efficient resource utilisation and alignment with financial targets.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, product, design, QA).
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment.
• Provide guidance and structure to ensure delivery consistency.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients.
• Build strong, trusted relationships through clear and consistent communication.
• Ensure alignment on scope, expectations, and delivery approach.
• Communicate the Platform45 Way of Work and manage any changes effectively.
• Identify opportunities for account growth and long-term value.

Resource Management

• Plan and allocate resources to optimise delivery outcomes.
• Identify capacity gaps and proactively address constraints.

Reporting & Governance

• Deliver accurate, standardised weekly project reporting.
• Maintain transparency with clients and internal leadership.
• Escalate risks and issues appropriately to the Project Director and Head of Operations & Delivery.

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks proactively.
• Implement structured risk management practices to minimise disruption.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all deliverables meet high-quality standards and client expectations.
• Embed quality practices throughout the delivery lifecycle.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• PMP, CSM, or equivalent certification.
• 7+ years’ experience managing complex software development projects.
• Strong experience with Agile (Scrum, Kanban) and traditional methodologies (Waterfall).
• Proficiency in tools such as Jira, MS Project, Trello, or similar.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including risk management.
• Experience in data-driven reporting and performance tracking.