PURPOSE

The main purpose of the Programme Manager role is to coordinate the projects within a programme effectively and manage large initiatives, managing both the dependencies and interfaces as well as oversight of any risks and issues arising. Through planning, monitoring progress, resolving issues, and initiating appropriate corrective action, the Programme Manager drives the successful outcome of programmes and large initiatives.

Programme Manager responsibilities amongst others include planning activities, milestones, risk plans, and a comprehensive plan. A Programme Manager is also responsible for time and budget management, the delivery of the agreed objectives, as well as managing stakeholder relationships.

A programme manager will apply expert-level knowledge of the project management discipline to plan, monitor, manage and execute delivery initiatives of large scope and very high complexity from initiation through completion. Is an expert in the primary discipline plus experience in delivering technical or data-driven projects with a deep understanding of payments and financial industry solutions and platforms. Can solve complex problems, interpret internal or external issues, and recommend solutions and best practices to improve existing processes, methodologies and workflows that will enable the team to work more efficiently and to stay within project timeline, budget, and scope. Has the ability to manage functional teams and multiple, interrelated initiatives (including business transformation). Can work independently and self-directed, with guidance in only the most complex situations.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Leads or coordinates planning activities for complex initiatives to devise a feasible plan that achieves the goals and objectives of the initiatives aligned with business strategy. 
• Defines problems and scope parameters, organizes meetings, assigns responsibilities, develops schedules and milestones, identifies structures of authority and processes for decision-making, and determines resource requirements. 
• Understands and articulates the expectations for the deliverable/s and ensures shared understanding within the team. 
• Establishes and maintains relationships with all stakeholders and manages resources throughout.
• Measures performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques. 
• Reports on the status including key performance indicators (KPIs), cost, timing, and staffing.
• Troubleshoots and manages activities to ensure adherence to internal and external quality standards. 
• Performs risk management to minimize risk or change risks to opportunity. 
• Identifies and resolves obstacles to completing initiatives on time and within budget. 
• Recommends schedule changes, cost adjustments or resource additions when necessary. 
• Uses appropriate verification techniques to manage changes in scope, schedule, and cost. 
• Creates and maintains comprehensive documentation. 
• Identifies and resolves difficult complex issues, reports, and escalates to management as needed. 

Key stakeholders the candidate will engage with, but not limited to are:

• Banks
• South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
• Banking Association South Africa (BASA)
• Payments Association of South Africa (PASA)
• Other BankservAfrica Customer Organisations, Retailers, and Regulators
• Senior Management and Executive Management
• Business Unit Managers and Product Owners
• IT Managers and Staff

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications and knowledge (including the most relevant)

Required:

• Project Management qualification (postgraduate / or MBA).
• PMP. 
• Required computer literacy levels in the MS Office suite and applicable Project Management Applications.
• Additional recommended:
• PgMP 
• Disciplined Agile Scrum Master 
• Agile Practitioner 
• Lean Six Sigma
• ITIL 
• Cloud (AWS) 
• COBIT
• TOGAF    Experience (include the most relevant industry-specific experience)

Experience

• Experience in large complex ICT application development and execution of delivery.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Project and Programme management. 
• Advanced skills and experience in planning, communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Experience in Payments, Banking or Financial services industry 
• Advanced working knowledge of business matters, finance, planning, and forecasting
• Expert-level risk and cost management skills
• Proven leadership in complex project implementations and decision-making skills