Senior Project Manager - Financial Services Technology

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager for a leading financial institution in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will oversee critical technology projects, drive best practices, and ensure regulatory compliance while delivering customer-focused financial solutions.

The role requires 8+ years in project management within financial services tech, strong leadership and stakeholder management, and familiarity with Agile/Waterfall methodologies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of project management experience, focused on financial services technology.
• Experience managing projects related to core banking, digital banking, or regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of POPIA/FICA is advantageous.
• PM certifications (PMP/PRINCE2) are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of complex IT projects in financial services.
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria; allocate resources.
• Develop detailed plans, schedules, and budgets; ensure timely delivery and cost control.
• Lead cross-functional teams; foster high-performance and collaboration.
• Identify risks, implement mitigations, monitor progress and issues.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to internal policies.
• Coordinate stakeholder communications and provide status updates.
• Oversee vendor selection and third-party management.
• Ensure quality through rigorous testing and validation; conduct post-project reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial institution, is seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager to oversee critical technology projects within their Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape operations. This role is pivotal in managing the delivery of innovative financial solutions, ensuring they meet stringent regulatory requirements, enhance customer experience, and drive business growth. You will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from initiation and planning through to execution, monitoring, and closure. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial services technology, a deep understanding of project management best practices, and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams effectively. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a demanding yet rewarding sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, execution, and delivery of complex IT projects within the financial services sector.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, success criteria, and resource requirements.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
• Manage stakeholder communications, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and issues.
• Oversee vendor selection and management for project-related third‑party services.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of project deliverables through rigorous testing and validation processes.
• Conduct post‑project reviews to capture lessons learned and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on financial services technology projects.
• Proven experience managing projects related to core banking systems, trading platforms, digital banking, or regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of financial services industry regulations (e.g., POPIA, FICA).
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, collaborating with both on‑site and remote team members.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or similar project management certification is highly desirable.
• Experience within the Eastern Cape region is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance‑based bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, life insurance, and a provident fund. We offer substantial opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in financial technologies and project management methodologies. The hybrid work model in Port Elizabeth allows for a blend of in‑office collaboration and remote flexibility, supporting a healthy work‑life balance. You will be part of a forward‑thinking organization committed to innovation and employee growth.