IT Project Manager (SDLC)

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

A great career opportunity exists in Santam Ltd within our Santam Business Information Technology Services (BITS) division for an experienced IT Project Manager (Information Technology). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development followed by a successful transition into project management. The role will ideally be Cape Town based.

Principle Accountabilities Include

Project Planning and Execution:

• Develop project plans, including scope, goals, deliverables, timelines, resources, and budget.
• Lead project teams to execute plans effectively, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Monitor and report on project progress, identifying risks and taking corrective actions as needed.

Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with project stakeholders, including clients, team members, and third-party vendors.
• Communicate project updates, risks, and issues to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment with project objectives.

Resource Management

• Allocate resources effectively to ensure project tasks are completed efficiently.
• Coordinate with department managers to assign appropriate team members to project tasks.
• Manage resource conflicts and resolve any issues that may arise during project execution.

Risk Management

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.
• Proactively manage risks throughout the project lifecycle, monitoring for new risks and adjusting plans as necessary.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that project deliverables meet quality standards and customer expectations.
• Implement quality assurance processes and procedures to validate project outcomes.

Budget Management

• Develop and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and guidance to project team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Motivate team members to achieve project goals and overcome challenges.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to optimize project management processes.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and apply them to future projects.

Qualifications And Experience

• IT Degree or Diploma
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or another recognized project management certification
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the IT industry, with at least 5 years focused on software development.
• Demonstrate experience and sound knowledge of the system development lifecycle processes and methods from business concept to deployment stages.
• Experience working in the Financial Services or Insurance industry is a significant advantage.
• Experience working with industry-standard security frameworks and controls (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls) is a significant advantage.
• Sound experience working with stakeholders at different levels across organisations/divisions; both on-shore and off-shore, face-to-face and remote.
• Demonstrate experience in applying industry-standard project management methodologies and processes. Working in an Agile environment, with knowledge of the Scrum method strongly preferred.
• Experience in using JIRA, and Confluence.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Well-honed MS Office skills.
• Agile and Scrum Method and Tool experience (JIRA, JIRA Portfolio and Confluence suggested).
• Facilitation skills
• Influencing
• Interpersonal skills
• Stakeholder management
• Financial and business acumen.
• Foster and support the Agile approach.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset in support of the Agile values and Santam culture: Trust, Respect, Collaborative, Self-organisation, Adapt, Transparent, Courage, Focus, Openness, Servant Leadership.
• Understands architectural considerations in order to effectively factor them into planning, decisions and recommendations and effectively communicate.
• Ability to identify project implications based on an understanding of systems, processes and business.

COMPETENCIES

• Drives results
• Client Focus
• Collaborates
• Flexible and adaptable
• Relating and networking.
• Applying expertise and technology
• Project Oversight, Planning, Project Management Tools, Project Tracking and Reporting, Project Portfolio Management
• Organisational Savvy
• Decision Quality
• Plan and Aligns
• Manages complexity.

About Santam

Santam is the leading short-term insurer in South Africa. Along with its subsidiaries, the business transacts all classes of short-term insurance. Santam is a large, diversified, and transforming company and our success is rooted in our passion for our clients. Everything we do is centered on our delivery of Insurance Good and Proper.

Please note this appointment will be made in line with the Divisional Employment Equity targets. People with disabilities are welcome to apply.