Senior Project Manager - Business Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead critical business operations projects on-site in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. You will plan, execute, and close initiatives spanning process improvements, system implementations, and strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in PM within financial services, PMP/Prince2, strong leadership and stakeholder management, and proficiency with MS Project and JIRA.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• PMP or Prince2 certification is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of project management experience in financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex business operations projects.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Manage risks, issues, and changes throughout the lifecycle.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and ensure quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Reporting

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or Finance

Tools

MS Project

JIRA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services institution, is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead critical business operations projects in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. This is an on‑site role requiring strong leadership and project management skills to drive complex initiatives from inception to completion. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects related to process improvements, system implementations, and strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing large‑scale projects within the financial sector, excellent stakeholder management abilities, and a deep understanding of business operations. You will work closely with various departments, including IT, compliance, and front‑office teams, to ensure successful project delivery, on time and within budget. Your expertise will be crucial in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the institution's core operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex business operations projects.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among cross‑functional project teams.
• Ensure adherence to project management methodologies and best practices.
• Monitor project progress, providing regular status reports to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations for project‑specific needs.
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and business requirements.
• Conduct post‑project evaluations to capture lessons learned and identify areas for future improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• PMP or Prince2 certification is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on business operations within the financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large, complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of financial services operations, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, JIRA).
• Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Must be able to work full‑time on‑site in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including excellent medical aid, performance bonuses, and a substantial retirement fund contribution.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities are available.
• Join a collaborative and driven team at the forefront of financial services innovation.