Programme Manager

To lead and deliver complex, cross-functional Business Banking programmes that enable strategic priorities, drive transformation, and deliver measurable business outcomes. 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.

• 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
• 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
• Experience leading operational excellence / process optimisation programmes
• Experience leading cross-functional, multi-stakeholder delivery environments
• Track record of delivering programmes with measurable business impact