Pipeline: Programme Manager

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

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Belonging at Absa

Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

The Programme Manager is accountable for end-to-end programme delivery, ensuring alignment to business strategy, governance frameworks, and operational objectives while managing multiple interdependent projects, stakeholders, and delivery teams.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• 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

Strategy Execution & Transformation

• 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

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• 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

Stakeholder Management

• 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

Financial & Resource Management

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

Change Management & Adoption

• 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

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• 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

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

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

Certifications (Preferred)

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

Experience

• 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

Core Competencies (Critical)

Technical / Functional

• 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

Behavioural Competencies

• 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

Leadership Competencies (Senior Role)

• 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

Knowledge & Skills Requirements

• 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