Job Description

Are you an experienced IT Project Manager with a passion for driving strategic change and innovation across diverse teams? STADIO is seeking an IT Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of key strategic initiatives across our Information Technology, Continuous Improvement & Innovation, and Learning Technology departments, as well as cross-functional projects led by the CIO's office. This role will deliver high-impact programmes that enable digital transformation across the institution.

The IT Project Manager will report to the CIO and work closely with the Head of IT, Head of Continuous Improvement & Innovation, Head of Learning Technology and the Software Development Team Lead. Your remit: ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and aligned with business goals, leveraging robust project management techniques, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) frameworks and agile practices.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Management:

Define project scope, goals and timelines; plan, organise and oversee multiple IT and cross-functional projects.

Establish Project Management function:

Develop and implement robust project management practices, SDLC processes and modern agile methodologies.

Lead SDLC:

Implement and enforce strong SDLC practices across all software development projects.

Facilitate Agile ceremonies :

Facilitate roadmap review sessions, sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.

End-to-End Delivery:

Develop and manage comprehensive project delivery plans, timelines, and resource allocations. Ensure proper documentation and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaboration:

Lead cross-departmental project teams, coordinate activities with key stakeholders, and maintain open communication channels.

Governance & Reporting:

Create and maintain detailed project documentation, monitor budgets and performance metrics, and report progress, risk and milestones.

Risk & Dependency Management:

Identify project risks, manage dependencies, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely completion.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Act as primary liaison between the CIO's office and heads of IT, Continuous Improvement & Innovation, Learning Technology, and software development teams.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Skills Required

Education:

Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.

Professional certifications :

such as PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum Practitioner desirable.

Experience:

5+ years' proven experience in IT project management, delivering complex, cross-functional technology projects.

Technical Competence:

Deep understanding of SDLC, proficiency with agile and hybrid methodologies, and hands-on familiarity with project management tools like Azure DevOps, Jira, Trello or MS Project.

Leadership & Collaboration:

Strong leadership, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to build trust and foster cross-team collaboration.

Analytical & Organisational Abilities:

Expertise in budgeting, resource allocation, risk management and problem-solving.

Communication:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of delivering clear reports and presentations.

Adaptability & Track Record:

Proven track record of successful project delivery with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Why Join Us?

Be at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation.

Work directly with executive leadership to shape the future of our technology landscape.

Purpose-Driven Vision:

Be part of an institution that emphasises operational excellence, inclusivity and widening access to quality higher education.

Purposeful Work:

Contribute to meaningful transformation initiatives that not only directly supports the organisation's mission and long-term success, but also has a meaningful impact on South Africa.

What We Offer

Competitive salary in line with relevant experience.

Generous leave to support work-life balance.

Opportunities to continue your studies at any institution in the group after 1 year of employment.