Project Manager

About the position

A well-established, technology-driven public sector environment is looking to appoint an experienced Project Manager on a fixed-term basis. The focus of this role is to drive the delivery of cross-functional financial systems initiatives, while strengthening data capability and improving operational efficiency across a multi-department landscape.

You'll take ownership of the full project lifecycle across multiple IT-driven financial programmes; from early-stage planning through to delivery and closure. This includes ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, maintaining strong governance practices, and delivering measurable value across systems and processes.

The environment requires someone comfortable working at senior level; engaging with internal stakeholders, service providers, and oversight structures; while balancing timelines, budgets, and risk.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of enterprise-wide financial systems projects; ensuring alignment to governance frameworks and operational priorities
• Provide technical input on the evolution and implementation of financial systems solutions; with a focus on efficiency and value delivery
• Drive improvements in data analytics capability to support better financial reporting and decision-making
• Manage planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk across multiple concurrent initiatives
• Coordinate stakeholders across various departments; ensuring alignment and clear communication
• Oversee vendor and service provider performance
• Produce structured reports and present progress updates to governance forums
• Continuously assess and enhance system performance and scalability

You'll also be responsible for applying structured project management practices throughout:

• Initiating and planning projects in line with recognised methodologies
• Managing delivery to ensure outputs meet defined scope, quality, and timelines
• Monitoring performance across cost, risk, and delivery metrics
• Managing financial tracking to ensure adherence to budget expectations
• Proactively identifying and mitigating risks and issues
• Ensuring formal project closure in line with governance requirements

To be considered, you'll need:

• A relevant undergraduate qualification in Information Technology Systems or a closely related field (NQF Level 7 equivalent)
• Around 8 years of experience operating at a senior management level, including at least 5 years specifically within IT systems environments; exposure to financial systems is important
• Proven experience delivering large-scale IT projects from concept through to implementation and monitoring
• Practical understanding of financial governance frameworks (including PFMA and Treasury-aligned environments), along with strong working knowledge of MS Office tools
• Experience working with or implementing data analytics solutions will be highly beneficial
• A valid driver's license is required
• You'll bring strong communication ability, structured thinking, and the ability to operate with discretion and professionalism. Attention to detail, problem-solving capability, and the ability to manage complexity are key to success in this environment
• This is a fixed-term opportunity (3 years) based in Pietermaritzburg, with standard monthly hour expectations aligned to a full-time contract

If you've led large-scale financial systems projects and understand how to navigate complex governance environments, this could be a strong next step.

Desired Skills:

• Project Management
• Financial Systems
• Data Analytics
• Governance Compliance
• IT Programme Delivery
• Stakeholder Management

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level & Accreditations:

• Degree
• Project Management Institute