About the position
We are seeking an experienced delivery leader to manage an API Enablement Programme focused on establishing an Integration Orchestration Layer within a large retail organisation.
This is a contract role, onsite based in Cape Town.
The successful candidate will coordinate technical delivery, business priorities and dependent projects while engaging directly with the CIO and other C-suite executives. This role requires an assertive, credible leader who can challenge constructively, drive decisions and take practical ownership of delivery within a lean environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end programme planning and delivery, defining scope, outcomes, milestones, resources and dependencies.
- Coordinate the teams delivering API enablement, integration capabilities and the orchestration layer.
- Work with architecture, development, infrastructure, security and business teams to align delivery with enterprise requirements.
- Manage dependencies across systems, workstreams, vendors and related projects.
- Establish programme governance, maintain delivery visibility and escalate risks with clear recommendations.
- Engage directly with executive sponsors, presenting progress, delivery options, risks and decisions required.
- Drive integration testing, business readiness, deployment planning and transition into operational support.
- Take a hands-on approach to resolving delivery issues and coordinating activities beyond traditional programme management boundaries.
Essential Requirements
- At least seven years of relevant project, programme or technology delivery experience, with a proven record of delivering complex initiatives.
- Strong technical understanding of APIs, enterprise integration, system dependencies and integration orchestration.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and manage cross-functional delivery.
- Proven experience delivering for a CIO or other C-suite executive sponsor.
- Confidence engaging senior executives, challenging assumptions and holding teams accountable.
- Strong planning, governance, risk management and stakeholder communication skills.
- Willingness to work onsite four days per week and accommodate executive schedules.
Preferred Experience
- Retail experience is highly valued.
- Candidates without retail experience must demonstrate strong executive engagement and delivery experience, ideally on CIO-sponsored initiatives.
- Experienced Senior Project Managers or technical delivery leaders moving into programme management may be considered where they demonstrate the required technical depth, executive credibility and delivery ownership.
Desired Skills:
