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.