Programme Manager

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

Defines and optimises programme and change management practices and integrated delivery approaches, ensuring end-to-end alignment of governance, methodologies and execution across complex initiatives. Leads the orchestration of programme delivery to achieve strategic outcomes, driving performance, quality, and compliance while enabling informed decision-making through proactive stakeholder engagement.

Job Description

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

• Programme & Change Management Practice Optimisation
• Integrated Delivery & Execution Orchestration
• Governance, Risk, Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Stakeholder Engagement & Decision Enablement
• Benefits Realisation & Performance Management
• Data, Analytics & Insight-Driven Delivery
• Delivery Integration & Context Flexibility
• Continuous Improvement & Capability Development

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Programme & Change Management Practice Optimisation:

• Define, refine, and optimise programme and change management practices within the practice or functional domain.
• Ensure alignment of methodologies, governance, and delivery frameworks to support consistent execution.
• Adapt frameworks and approaches to suit varying delivery contexts and programme complexity.

Integrated Delivery & Execution Orchestration:

• Lead the orchestration of complex, multi-stream programmes across interdependent initiatives.
• Translate strategic priorities into integrated execution plans, delivery roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure alignment and coordination across projects, workstreams, and delivery environments.

Governance, Risk, Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Establish and embed fit-for-purpose governance structures, controls, and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure adherence to delivery standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance practices.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks, issues, and dependencies to protect delivery outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Decision Enablement:

• Engage proactively with senior stakeholders, including C-suite where required, to ensure alignment on priorities and delivery progress.
• Enable informed decision-making through clear, data-driven insights, reporting, and escalation.
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments to resolve competing priorities and maintain delivery momentum.

Benefits Realisation & Performance Management:

• Define and track programme benefits and performance outcomes aligned to strategic objectives.
• Drive accountability for value delivery across initiatives and stakeholders.
• Monitor delivery health and take corrective action to ensure outcomes are achieved.

Data, Analytics & Insight-Driven Delivery:

• Leverage data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to enhance programme planning, tracking, and performance optimisation.
• Provide actionable insights to support programme design, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a data-driven culture within programme delivery environments.

Delivery Integration & Context Flexibility:

• Operate across programme, project, and change delivery contexts, ensuring integration and alignment.
• Apply delivery versatility to adapt approaches based on initiative complexity and organisational needs.
• Ensure effective transition and embedment of programme outputs into operational environments.

Continuous Improvement & Capability Development:

• Embed continuous improvement practices and evolve delivery standards within the practice.
• Capture lessons learned and drive enhancements to programme and change management capability.
• Contribute to building delivery maturity and consistency across initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificate, or B Tech [NQF7].
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) (Preferred)

Field of Study:

• Formal programme/project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, MSP)

Work Experience:

• 5 - 12 years experience in a specific capability of importance to the bank, including a track record of 3 years in a people management position.
• Exposure to process design, optimisation, quality management, customer centricity, technology and data-driven decision-making is preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Influence
• Leadership
• Delivering Results
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Decision-Making

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Operational planning and execution
• Process optimisation and service design
• Customer experience management
• Performance measurement and reporting
• Governance and compliance
• Digital tools and platforms
• Data analysis and insight generation
• Team leadership and development
• Advanced programme and project management expertise (portfolio, programme, and project delivery at scale)
• Senior stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Strong strategic thinking and narrative development capability
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to distil complexity into clear executive messaging
• Strong commercial and financial acumen

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised