Programme Manager

Job Summary

• Lead end-to-end delivery of large-scale Business Banking programmes (multi-project, multi-stream)
• Define programme scope, objectives, and delivery approach aligned to business strategy
• Oversee programme planning, execution, and integration of all project workstreams
• Ensure delivery within agreed time, cost, and quality parameters

• Translate Business Banking strategy into executable programme roadmaps
• Drive digital transformation, process optimisation, and operational efficiency initiatives
• Enable delivery of strategic outcomes through structured programme management

• Establish and manage programme governance frameworks, reporting structures, and controls
• Monitor programme risks, dependencies, and issues, ensuring mitigation plans are in place
• Ensure compliance with Absa policies, frameworks, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain audit-ready documentation across programme lifecycle

• Engage and influence senior stakeholders (Business, Technology, Risk, Operations)
• Provide clear programme reporting and updates to Exco and senior leadership
• Facilitate alignment and decision-making across cross-functional teams
• Act as the central point of accountability across delivery streams

• Manage programme budgets, forecasts, and financial tracking
• Oversee resource allocation across projects and workstreams
• Ensure optimal utilisation of people, systems, and external vendors

• Partner with Change and Business teams to ensure effective implementation and adoption
• Drive business readiness, communication, and training strategies
• Ensure benefits realisation and sustainability post-implementation

• Define and track programme KPIs, milestones, and deliverables
• Provide regular reporting on programme progress, risks, and outcomes
• Drive accountability across teams to meet delivery targets

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, IT, or related field (NQF Level 7)
• Postgraduate qualification in Project/Programme Management or Business – advantageous

• Strong understanding of Business Banking operations, products, and client segments
• Knowledge of banking risk, regulatory, and governance frameworks
• Experience working with:
  • PMO frameworks and governance structures
  • Data-driven decision-making and reporting
• Strong commercial and operational awareness

Education

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

• Programme/Project Management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, PgMP)
• Agile / SAFe certification
• Change Management certification (e.g. Prosci) – advantageous

• 10+ years’ experience in programme/project management or delivery leadership
• Proven experience managing large, complex transformation programmes
• Strong background in financial services / banking (preferably Business Banking)
• Experience leading:
  • Digital transformation initiatives
  • Operational excellence / process optimisation programmes
  • Cross-functional, multi-stakeholder delivery environments
• Track record of delivering programmes with measurable business impact

• Programme & Project Management (end-to-end delivery)
• Strategic planning and execution
• Financial management and budget control
• Risk management and governance
• Agile and waterfall delivery methodologies
• Benefits realisation and KPI tracking

• Strong leadership and accountability
• Executive-level stakeholder management and influencing
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity

• Ability to operate at Exco / senior leadership level
• Driving alignment across large, matrix organisations
• Leading transformation and change at scale
• Building high-performing delivery teams
• Coaching and mentoring project/programme teams