Senior Project Manager (Data Management and Software Development) x3 Fixed Term Contract Jobs

Job Purpose

• Manage the start and completion of major data-driven software development projects within set limits of scope, time, and budget. Ensure they follow quality, legal, and governance standards.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to junior project managers. Handle line management duties when needed.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in BCom Informatics/Information Technology or Computer Science, or related field, plus 8-10 years’ experience in software and IT environments focused on data-driven software projects. At least 3-4 years at senior project management level.

Alternative Qualification

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) plus 15 years’ experience in software and IT environments focused on data-driven software projects. At least 3-4 years at senior project management level.

Job Outputs

Process

• Oversee project prioritization by turning approved business cases into integrated delivery plans. Manage scope, finances per policy and governance, and resources for agile delivery within time limits.
• Review and refine work scopes, mitigate risks, and create high-level plans, project charters, and initiation documents.
• Guide development of project plans, schedules, and governance documents. Ensure resources are available. Engage stakeholders on baseline plans and changes.
• Facilitate decisions among senior steering committee members on scope and plans.
• Develop a practical change management approach for the SARS environment.
• Evaluate project performance, implement corrections, and consolidate team progress.
• Schedule meetings to track and report on delivery performance.
• Provide project information for tracking and reporting. Deliver projects in scope, on time, within budget.
• Ensure all project documents are signed off. Manage integrated delivery across business, data, and IT systems.
• Manage risks and issues, develop resolutions, and update tracking tools. Escalate unresolved issues.
• Control scope, cost, time, changes, suppliers, and contracts. Capture lessons learned.
• Align software development partner commitments with delivery. Capture lessons learned.
• Adhere to controls (ERAIDW, cost centres). Document closeout reports and facilitate sign-offs. Close cost centres and return unspent funds.
• Apply expert knowledge in programme management, strategic change, IT/data management, and organizational change.
• Follow policies, practices, EPMO standards, procedures, and legislation, including cost management.
• Oversee procurement, supplier onboarding, costs, and payments. Align commitments to delivery.
• Build relationships with clients, teams, and stakeholders. Define roles and communicate expectations.
• Manage and develop teams for agile delivery on objectives.
• Use reports to measure success and adjust tactical strategies.
• Plan outputs, prioritize activities, and set standards for tactical implementation.
• Recommend improvements to data, processes, systems, policies, and procedures. Implement changes.
• Communicate policy decisions and success factors to stakeholders.
• Drive tactical implementation for business unit excellence and performance.
• Direct resources to meet objectives and productivity requirements.
• Implement strategy through operational activities to achieve targets.
• Identify problems, develop solutions, and implement best practices.
• Provide reports on performance and adjust plans.

Governance

• Implement governance, risk, and compliance policies to manage exposure.
• Advise on applying policy in functional areas.

People

• Build and maintain capable teams with needed skills and experience.
• Create a positive work environment to boost productivity.
• Set performance metrics and goals for effective service and problem-solving.
• Plan efficiency improvements by addressing development needs and providing tools.
• Develop people capacity plans aligned with targets and budget.

Finance

• Contribute to divisional budgets to control expenditure.
• Monitor financial controls, costs, and governance.
• Draw up budgets, track planned vs. actual, and report on efficiency.

Client

• Implement practices for service excellence and encourage exceptional client service.
• Build a service culture with rewarding relationships and feedback opportunities.
• Strengthen relationships and service level agreements with stakeholders.

Behavioural 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
• Programme and Project Management
• Managerial Budgeting
• Effective Business Communication
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Planning, Management and Measurement
• Decisiveness
• Business Acumen
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Project Administration Skills
• Project Financial Control and Reporting
• Conflict Resolution
• Practice and Process Facilitation Skills

Deadline: 1st February 2026

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official SARS career portal.

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