Senior Project Manager

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Financial Services division is seeking a Senior Project Manager to spearhead the successful delivery of high-impact projects, specifically focusing on initiatives within the financial services space. This role demands a leader who can quickly analyse intricate business challenges, decompose them into clear, manageable work streams, and develop robust plans focused on successful outcomes. The ideal candidate is proactive, positive, and values the importance of building strong relationships, thriving on driving projects to completion on time by skilfully blending traditional project management methodologies with agile frameworks. This individual must be an expert in balancing risk management and governance against the need for an agile and adaptive approach, especially in a fast-moving environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Decomposition

• Analyse and break down complex projects into logical phases, work streams, and measurable deliverables.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, objectives, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Visually and verbally communicate the project structure to all levels of the organisation, ensuring clarity and buy-in.

Execution & Outcome-Focused Delivery

• Drive the successful implementation of project plans, managing all day-to-day operational aspects.
• Maintain a relentless focus on achieving the defined project outcomes, not just completing tasks.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, fostering a high-energy, positive, and collaborative environment.

Governance & Risk Management

• Establish and manage a robust project governance framework, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making pathways.
• Proactively identify, assess, quantify, and mitigate project risks and issues.
• Prepare and present clear, concise status reports, dashboards, risks, and escalations to senior leadership.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Excel at relationship building, fostering trust and open communication with all stakeholders, from team members to executive sponsors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the project, expertly managing expectations, and navigating competing priorities.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and third-party deliverables.

Agile & Adaptive Mindset

• Employ an adaptive approach, blending traditional project management discipline with agile principles to fit the project's needs.
• Be comfortable with ambiguity and able to pivot as required without losing sight of the end goal.

JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience as a Project Manager, with at least 3+ years in a Senior PM role managing large-scale, complex projects ideally within banking, fintech, or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (SAFe, PMI-ACP, PMP/PRINCE II certification is advantageous).
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project, Wrike, Azure DevOps).
• Strong understanding of the financial services industry and regulations, and payment systems. (beneficial)

Key Competencies

• High-Energy Leader
  : A natural leader who motivates, inspires, and influences teams with a positive attitude.
• Outcome-Focused
  : Results-driven with a bias for action, focusing on the "why" behind the project and taking accountability.
• Resilient & Adaptive
  : Thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments, handling pressure positively and navigating ambiguity.
• Excellent Communicator
  : Clear, concise, and persuasive, with strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive & Accountable
  : Self-driven with a strong natural tendency to take ownership and responsibility.
• Strong Decision-Maker
  : Demonstrates effective leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly Organised
  : Exceptional planning, time management, and organisational skills with rigorous attention to detail.
• Versatile Project Manager
  : Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and processes simultaneously, with a passion for continuous improvement.

CLOSING DATE: 21 November 2025

If you are interested in the above position and meet the requirements as indicated above, please submit your application.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date of this position, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.

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Pepkor strives for equal opportunity in terms of its employment equity guidelines.