Programme Manager (Parktown) at Rand Mutual – RMA

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

• The role is responsible for driving the implementation of a portfolio of strategic initiatives (programmes, projects and other change initiatives) across the organization. Project management underpins this role, however the focus is expanded into strategy execution.
• The role therefore operates at the intersection of these two distinct but complementary disciplines.
• Strategic initiatives may be in the office of the CEO, RMA Divisions, Group functions or a combination.
• The role therefore requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, at both the Group and Divisional levels, to ensure that strategic goals are achieved efficiently and effectively.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Initiatives Planning:

• Engage with senior leadership to understand linkage between strategic objectives and expected outcomes.
• Assist Sponsors; Owners and Strategy leads with business case development and justifications; including compilation of financial metrices and benefits quantification.
• Participate in the organisation’s forums during the evaluation, prioritisation of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to define the plans that are required to translate the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives into actionable and achievable deliverables.
• In the context of existing corporate governance structures, define the project | programme specific governance structures required to deliver the strategic initiatives.
• Convert high-level and vague information into tangible plans that can be executed to deliver specific outcomes.

Execution Oversight:

• Lead the execution of strategic initiatives, managing scope, timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful outcomes.
• Manage the interdependencies between strategic initiatives in terms of resources, deliverables, and timelines.
• End-to-end management, including the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & execution, and close-out of initiatives in accordance with the methodology appropriate for the specific initiative type.
• Application of appropriate delivery management knowledge areas, such as scope, time, cost, quality, resource, communication, risk, etc.
• Define and adopt the governance structure(s) to effectively deliver the initiative.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with various divisions and departments to facilitate communication, foster collaboration, and ensure alignment on strategic priorities.
• Managing internal teams and external suppliers contributions to the delivery of the initiative.
• Participate in RMA’s Strategy and Project Management fraternities during capability establishment and to enable continuous improvement of the two disciplines.

Performance Monitoring:

• Develop and implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and report on progress to stakeholders.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with strategic initiatives and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Apply adequate risk management resolution measures to ensure successful outcomes.
• Initiate additional activities and other management interventions wherever gaps are identified, or issues arise

Change Management:

• Foster a culture of adaptability and support change management processes to drive acceptance and engagement across the organization.
• Work change management experts and business stakeholders to facilitate effective transitioning from the current to desired ends state introduced by the initiative.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with strategic initiatives and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Apply adequate risk management resolution measures to ensure successful outcomes.
• Initiate additional activities and other management interventions wherever gaps are identified, or issues arise
• Regularly communicate updates and insights to senior leadership and key stakeholders on the status of strategic initiatives.
• Prepare written reports, and conduct presentations to various forums, including progress meetings and steering committees, to keep stakeholders updated on progress.
• Ability to simplify complex information and communicate clearly to various levels of the organisation.

Requirements

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE TABLE?

• The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a proven track record of delivery of complex projects and programmes.
• In addition, solid experience in portfolio management, benefits realisation, change management and transition methods that facilitate the operationalisation of changes into business-as-usual operations.

Required Qualifications

• NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s degree in any related field
• NQF Level 8: Post graduate qualification in business management
• Qualification in project management
• Qualification in strategy management

Required Experience

• At least 8 years or more relevant initiatives management and delivery experience
• Direct work experience in project, programme and portfolio management capacity
• Direct work experience delivering strategic

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management
• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of strategy
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools