Cape Town: Strategic Programme Manager – (CONTRACT) posted by PM Connection

Job Purpose:

• The Programme Manager will be responsible for driving execution and delivery across a portfolio of strategic initiatives contributing to the implementation of a new service model within the company. The Programme Manager will specifically drive delivery momentum of the Technology components within each strategic initiative.
• This role will translate high-level strategic initiative roadmaps into actionable projects, ensuring progress, accountability, and measurable business outcomes across both Technology and Operations domains.

Outputs / Core Tasks:

Project Scoping & Planning

• Translate strategic initiatives into detailed project scopes, plans, and deliverables.
• Define clear objectives, timelines, and success metrics for each initiative.
• Identify and allocate responsibilities across project teams and stakeholders.

Execution & Delivery Management

• Drive day-to-day execution of initiatives, ensuring alignment to strategic goals.
• Monitor progress, manage dependencies, and proactively address risks and issues.
• Unblock bottlenecks and escalate support needs to relevant leadership.

Technical & Operational Coordination

• Ensure technical progress is tracked and aligned with business requirements.
• Coordinate across CIOs and COOs within SLS business clusters to ensure alignment and cross-functional collaboration.

Governance & Reporting

• Establish and maintain reporting structures to track initiative traction and feedback.
• Prepare and present updates to steering committees and leadership forums.
• Ensure visibility of initiative status across all levels of leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate closely with:

• Business Design Team to refine initiative scope and intent.
• Adaptive PMO to align with broader project delivery and governance frameworks.
• Cluster CIOs and COOs to ensure business cluster alignment and execution support.
• Product Managers and Owners to groom the backlog and drive delivery of priority tasks.
• Business Transformation (including Change Management and Business Analysis) to mobilise and accelerate new ways of working on the ground.

Role Requirements:

• Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Information Systems, or a related field (required).
• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or equivalent) is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years experience in project, programme, or portfolio management within large, complex organisations – preferably in financial services and technology-enabled environments.

Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional initiatives without formal authority, using influence, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience in translating strategic roadmaps into executable projects, with clear scope, ownership, and delivery plans.
• Strong understanding of technology and operations landscapes, including CRM, workflow orchestration, and customer servicing platforms.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skillsable to engage senior leadership and drive governance forums.
• Experience working with internal consulting teams and PMOs to align on delivery frameworks and execution standards.
• Insurance industry and contact/ service centre experience will be highly beneficial.

Competencies:

• Strategic Execution: Ability to translate high-level strategic initiatives into actionable project plans with clear scope, ownership, and outcomes.
• Project Governance: Proficient in establishing governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and steering committee coordination.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Adept at identifying risks, resolving issues, and unblocking bottlenecks to maintain project momentum.
• Technical Acumen: Comfortable engaging with technology teams and understanding technical dependencies and progress.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in dynamic environments, managing multiple priorities and adjusting plans as needed to meet evolving business needs.

Kindly regard your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from the agency within 2 weeks.