Main Purpose of the Job:
We are seeking a highly skilled Project Manager to manage and oversee a laboratory, ensuring the achievement of cost-effective and high-quality services that meet both customer and business needs. This position requires someone with a strategic mindset who can effectively lead complex projects and initiatives, while ensuring that the organisation’s objectives and goals are met.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Delivery & Governance: Manage and prioritise medium to complex projects from initiation through to completion, ensuring alignment with business strategic objectives and adherence to Project Management Methodologies.
Scope & Objectives Definition: Assist in defining project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders, and ensuring technical feasibility for successful delivery.
Comprehensive Project Planning: Develop detailed project plans, track progress, and ensure timely delivery according to set timelines and milestones. Address any delays or issues promptly to keep projects on track.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with all stakeholders to define and support project goals and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Project Documentation: Develop and manage full-scale project documentation that covers all aspects of the Project Management Knowledge Areas as per the methodology used.
Risk & Change Management: Lead the development and execution of communication, human resources, change management, procurement, and quality management strategies to ensure projects are delivered within scope, timeline, and budget.
Financial Management: Monitor and manage project budgets, making necessary adjustments based on financial analysis and project performance.
Governance & Evaluation: Oversee project governance to ensure proper project delivery. Establish project evaluation frameworks to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Human Resource Management: Plan, assign, and manage project resources, both internally and externally. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate team members, ensuring effective team collaboration and resource utilisation.
Multi-Project Management: Manage risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring effective coordination and delivery.
Continuous Improvement: Ensure all projects are consistently evaluated and adjusted to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
Minimum Requirements & Key Competencies:
Education: Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Information Technology or a related field.
Certifications: Project Management Certification (Prince2 certification is preferable).
Experience:
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in a project management environment.
- At least 5 years of experience managing IT projects.
Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- Extensive computer knowledge and proficiency with project management software.
- Sound understanding of procurement processes (PFMA).
- Knowledge of Portfolio, Program, and Project Management methodologies and practices.
- In-depth understanding of all project management phases.
Business Analysis & Case Development:
- Knowledge of business analysis practices and project prioritization techniques.
- Strong understanding of business case development and benefit realization strategies.
Change Management:
- Familiarity with change management methodologies and processes.
Risk & Budget Management:
- Proficient in risk management and developing mitigation strategies.
- Strong budgeting skills, with the ability to manage financial resources efficiently.
Communication & Problem-Solving:
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to address project challenges.
Project Management Skills:
- Strong planning, organising, and time management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- Experience with project scheduling, scope management, and resource planning.
People Management & Negotiation:
- Ability to manage and motivate teams, fostering collaboration and productivity.
- Skilled in negotiations with stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams.
Pressure & Teamwork:
- Ability to work under pressure, handle competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong teamwork orientation, able to collaborate and support colleagues across various departments.
Key Competencies:
- High attention to detail
- Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent analytical abilities
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proficient in risk management and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
