Project Manager

Job Title:
Project Manager (Information & Communication Systems Division: Management Information Systems)

Job Summary:
We are looking for an experienced IT Project Manager to join the Information & Communication Systems Division: Management Information Systems at the University of Johannesburg (Auckland Park Kingsway Campus). The successful candidate will be responsible for managing IT projects, ensuring alignment with business goals, and driving successful project execution within budget and timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of IT projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain full-scale project documentation.
• Ensure projects meet contractual requirements and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Identify project dependencies, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Apply best practices in resource estimation and allocation.
• Use tools like MS Project for project planning and scheduling.
• Conduct post-delivery reviews and implement continuous improvements.
• Ensure adherence to governance structures and project guidelines.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Coach, mentor, and supervise project team members.
• Establish and manage governance structures for each project.
• Ensure smooth communication between internal teams, third-party vendors, and stakeholders.
• Set and manage project expectations with team members and executive sponsors.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers.

Budget & Financial Oversight:

• Prepare and manage project budgets effectively.
• Draft and evaluate tender documentation for IT solutions.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.

Risk & Compliance:

• Identify and resolve project risks and potential crises proactively.
• Ensure compliance with UJs IT policies and governance frameworks.
• Mitigate risks through early detection and contingency planning.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Generate timely progress reports, proposals, and requirements documentation.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of project progress, milestones, and challenges.
• Communicate project updates to senior management and key stakeholders.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors Degree (NQF 7) in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Project Management certification (e.g., Prince2, PMI).
• 5 to 8 years of project management experience in IT infrastructure, systems, or data-related projects.
• 5+ years of experience working in a cross-functional matrix environment.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders, third-party suppliers, and diverse internal teams.
• Strong knowledge of project governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience with Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS Project and other project management tools.

Preferred:

• ITIL Foundation Certification.
• Experience in the Higher Education sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of SDLC methodologies.

Experience Level:

• Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in IT project management.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in business requirements gathering and documentation.

Location & Work Type:

• Onsite role based at Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
• Must be available to support all UJ campuses as required.
• Working hours: Monday - Friday, 07:30 - 16:00.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Remuneration: Market-related.
• Employment Type: Permanent.
• Employment Equity (EE) position.

Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence, gain buy-in, and spur change across teams.
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.