Project Manager (Planning) – Fixed Term Contract Jobs

Job Purpose

To manage, under supervision, components of projects within the specified time frame, budget, quality, and legal requirements. Contribute to managing multifunctional interfaces and drive innovation.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 7) in Project Management / Operational Research, and 5-7 years’ experience in planning or managing software projects, IT, security, or software environments. Of this, 5 years should be at a functional specialist level.

Alternative

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) and 10 years’ experience in planning or managing software projects, IT, security, or software environments. Of this, 5 years should be at a functional specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Strong understanding of project and portfolio planning principles.
• Ability to develop, review, and analyze project and program plans.
• Experience coordinating planning inputs across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of planning and scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel-based planning models).

Job Outputs

Process

• Apply PMO methodologies for projects to ensure timely inputs and deliverables meet standards.
• Work under supervision on projects with limited scope, such as small projects or work streams in larger initiatives.
• Conduct research to resolve problems and find new solutions.
• Plan and manage projects or work streams that impact specific business areas.
• Use practical knowledge and judgment to make decisions.
• Apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Execute process changes, implement them, and provide guidelines and support for new requirements.
• Use knowledge and judgment to consider policy implications and reach conclusions.
• Gather information and provide reports with recommendations in your area of specialization.
• Plan and schedule your activities to improve quality and service delivery.
• Apply knowledge to identify trends and risks.
• Communicate interpretations and judgments on work outputs and queries.
• Develop and refine project-level plans, integrating them into the enterprise Master Plan and aligning with organizational standards and release schedules.
• Validate planning assumptions with stakeholders, review submissions for feasibility and alignment, and identify gaps.
• Consolidate planning inputs for program or portfolio views and facilitate workshops and meetings across teams.
• Act as a liaison to resolve planning gaps or conflicts, provide clear communication on requirements and deadlines, and prepare governance artifacts.
• Track actions, maintain audit trails for compliance, and escalate risks or constraints impacting sequencing or capacity.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, assist in scenario modeling, and support planning artifacts and clear expectations.

Governance

• Follow governance and compliance procedures, identify, and escalate risks.
• Ensure planning artifacts meet quality and completeness standards, and support compliance with internal frameworks, processes, and reporting.

People

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with peers and team members to meet objectives.
• Help develop planning team capabilities and mentor Project Coordinators on planning basics, tools, and documentation standards.

Finance

• Follow policies and procedures for cost effectiveness and reducing financial costs.
• Align planning timelines with approved business cases and confirm budget availability with Finance.

Client

• Understand and adhere to customer service delivery, providing specialist support to meet or exceed expectations.
• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, building positive relationships and opportunities for feedback.
• Ensure client-facing teams are prepared, their needs are included in planning, and help business units align plans with operational requirements.

Behavioral Competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory Skills
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis Skills
• Application of Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Ability to Persuade and Influence Others
• Ability to Mobilize Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Confidence
• Ability to Build Sustainability

Technical Competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Program and Project Management – with emphasis on planning, sequencing, and integration
• Reporting
• Business Knowledge
• Efficiency Improvement
• Planning and Organizing
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Program / Project Administration Skills – with emphasis on planning, sequencing, and integration
• Conflict Resolution & Influence, especially in facilitating cross-domain alignment

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the SARS careers portal.