Senior Project Manager - Operational Transformation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Project Manager specializing in operational transformation to lead complex change initiatives within the financial services sector. You will drive end-to-end programs, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure delivery aligned with strategic goals.

The role requires a strong background in project management, change management, and stakeholder engagement, with experience in financial services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 7+ years of project management experience with operational transformation.
• Proven track record delivering complex cross-functional programs on time and budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end operational transformation projects from initiation to closure.
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans with timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Manage project teams and ensure effective collaboration and performance.
• Identify risks and issues; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Communicate status to stakeholders and senior management regularly.
• Facilitate workshops and requirements gathering with business users.
• Drive change management to ensure adoption of new processes in Stellenbosch.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

MS Project/Jira

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration

Master's degree in Operations Management

Master's degree in Information Technology

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Manager specializing in Operational Transformation to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is crucial for leading complex projects aimed at re-engineering business processes, implementing new technologies, and driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and service delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, a deep understanding of operational frameworks, and a proven ability to manage large-scale change initiatives within the financial services industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end operational transformation projects from initiation to closure.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk assessments.
• Manage project teams, ensuring effective collaboration, communication, and performance.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee the implementation of new operational processes and technologies.
• Ensure adherence to project management best practices and company methodologies.
• Communicate project status, progress, and key issues to stakeholders and senior management regularly.
• Facilitate workshops and requirements gathering sessions with business users.
• Drive change management activities to ensure successful adoption of new processes and systems within Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on operational transformation and change management.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, cross-functional projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, business analysis, and re-engineering methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certification is highly desirable.
• Experience in the financial services sector is a significant advantage.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Familiarity with the operational landscape in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a substantial performance-based bonus, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, an excellent retirement fund, and ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. The role is based in our modern Stellenbosch, Western Cape office.