Project Manager (Contract)

Introduction

A leading retailer in Cape Town is seeking a Project Manager responsible for embedding world-class programme and project management practices across the organisation, ensuring that strategic initiatives are effectively planned, executed, monitored, and delivered with measurable impact. The role establishes structured project management disciplines, drives operational excellence, and ensures that programmes achieve their intended business and social outcomes.

Working closely with senior leadership, programme managers, and key stakeholders, the Project Manager translates organisational strategy into disciplined execution, enabling consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement across multiple programmes and initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Programme Design and Standardisation

• Develop and institutionalise programme management methodologies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and implementation playbooks.
• Standardise programme delivery frameworks and onboarding processes.
• Document and embed best practices into scalable and repeatable toolkits.
• Promote consistency across programmes while allowing for contextual adaptation where required.

Programme Management and Delivery

• Develop integrated programme plans, schedules, and implementation timelines.
• Monitor programme milestones, deliverables, and overall progress.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure disciplined execution and delivery across multiple programmes and initiatives.

Programme Implementation

• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans, pilot initiatives, rollout strategies, and scalable implementation frameworks.
• Coordinate implementation activities across programme areas.
• Capture lessons learned throughout implementation cycles and integrate improvements into future delivery.

Programme Portfolio Management

• Maintain oversight of programme performance, beneficiary partners, and project progression.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and performance monitoring tools.
• Analyse programme performance to support informed decision-making.
• Segment programmes or partners according to development stage and support requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Facilitate effective collaboration between internal teams, implementing partners, beneficiaries, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Support value chain integration and cross-functional programme coordination.
• Foster productive working relationships that enable successful programme delivery.

Impact Measurement and Reporting

• Design and implement processes for tracking programme outcomes, KPIs, and performance indicators.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools for management, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of impact reports and programme performance reviews.

Governance and Compliance

• Support programme governance frameworks and documentation standards.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready programme records.
• Prepare reports for executive leadership, governance structures, and funding partners.
• Contribute to strengthening organisational systems and institutional maturity.

Continuous Improvement

• Capture implementation learnings and best practices.
• Continuously refine programme methodologies, tools, and systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and programme effectiveness.
• Build and maintain organisational knowledge resources.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent.
• Formal qualification in Project Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in programme and project management.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects or workstreams in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Experience within the non-profit, community development, public sector, or social impact environment will be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced programme and project management methodologies.
• Strong planning, organisation, and execution skills.
• Risk management and problem-solving capability.
• Performance monitoring, reporting, and dashboard development.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Governance, compliance, and documentation management.
• Data analysis and impact measurement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software. 

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability.
• Results-driven and highly accountable.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making ability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement mindset.
• Collaborative leadership and influencing skills.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Professional integrity and sound judgement.

Employment Type

Contract Position