Project Manager

Position Reports to:   Stream Lead: Programme Planning (EPMO) 

Division: Strategy Enablement & Modernisation

Location: Head Office Pretoria

Advert Closing Date:  16 January 2026

About the Position

An exciting 2-year contract opportunity exists for a collaborative and analytically strong Project Manager (Planning) within the SARS EPMO's Programme Planning office. This role focuses on coordinating planning inputs across SARS' modernisation programmes, business-as-usual initiatives, and enterprise operational portfolios, ensuring that planning data is accurate, timely, and aligned with the multi-year programme / project delivery roadmap.

The position works closely with colleagues in EPMO, Technology, Data Management, Modernisation, and client business units to gather, validate, and integrate planning inputs into an enterprise Master Plan. The Project Manager (Planning) does not hold project delivery accountability; instead, the role ensures planning quality, cross-functional alignment, and coherent preparation for prioritisation, planning and governance forums.

This is a role suited for individuals with strong organisational discipline, facilitation skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Job Purpose

To manage, under supervision, components of projects within the specified time frame, budget, quality, innovation, legal requirements and contribute to the managing of multifunctional interfaces.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

Relevant National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 7) in Project Management/ Operational Research AND 5-7 years' experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security and/or software environment of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

ALTERNATIVE #

Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security and/or software environment of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Strong understanding of project and portfolio planning principles.
• Ability to develop, review, and analyse project and programme plans.
• Experience coordinating planning inputs across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of planning and scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel-based planning models).

Job Outputs:

Process

• Apply the PMO methodologies for projects ensuring that inputs and deliverables are timeous and up to specified standards.
• Work under supervision in the context of projects where work is assigned that is limited in scope (small project or contained work streams within a larger initiative)
• Conduct research to investigate areas of concern to resolve problems and identify new solutions.
• Plan and manage projects/work streams and initiatives in area of accountability that impact on specific business area.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and judgement to arrive at decisions.
• Correctly apply applicable legislation, including amongst other policies, procedures, and SOPs in the delivery of work outputs.
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the change, and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to consider policy implications and to arrive at decisions / conclusions.
• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation.
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems, and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Develop and refine project-level plans, ensuring their integration into the enterprise Master Plan and alignment with organisational standards and release schedules.
• Validate planning assumptions with key stakeholders, review submissions for feasibility and strategic alignment, and identify gaps or unrealistic elements.
• Consolidate planning inputs for higher-level programme or portfolio views and facilitate workshops and coordination meetings across delivery teams.
• Act as a liaison to resolve planning gaps or conflicts, provide structured communication on requirements and deadlines, and prepare artefacts for governance.
• Track planning-related actions and maintain audit trails for compliance, while identifying and escalating risks or constraints that may impact sequencing or capacity.
• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, assist in scenario modelling, and support the completion of planning artefacts and clear communication of expectations.

Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks.
• Ensure all planning artefacts submitted for governance meet required quality and completeness, and support compliance with internal planning frameworks, processes, and reporting standards.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Help develop planning team capabilities and mentor Project Coordinators on planning basics, tools, and documentation standards.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.
• Align planning timelines with approved business cases and confirm budget availability with Finance.

Client

• Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Ensure client-facing teams are ready and their needs are included in planning, and help business units match their plans to operational requirements.

Behavioural competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory Skills
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis Skills
• Application of Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Ability to persuade and Influencing Others
• Ability to Mobilise Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Confidence
• Ability to Building Sustainability

Technical competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Programme and Project Management – with emphasis on planning, sequencing and integration
• Reporting
• Business Knowledge
• Efficiency improvement
• Planning and organising
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Programme / Project Administration Skills - with emphasis on planning, sequencing and integration
• Conflict Resolution & Influence, especially in the context of facilitating cross-domain alignment

Compliance Competency

• GOC Confidential

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.