Project Manager

We require an enthusiastic Project Manager to join our PMO team to own the delivery of key strategic products/projects. This involves end-to-end ownership and accountability in leading cross-functional teams to deliver according to plan.

This role involves managing all aspects of a product delivery project, including planning, execution, monitoring, control, & closure. The Project Manager should define project objectives, create project plans, manage resources, and ensure project success.  Will need to work closely with clients, senior stakeholders, 3rd parties, and various delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities:
1.    Project Planning and Initiation:
o    Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
o    Develop project plans, incl. timelines, budgets, resource allocation & risk assessment.
o    Identify and gather project requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals.
 

2.    Project Execution:
o    Lead project teams, assigning tasks, and managing resources to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
o    Monitor project progress and adjust as needed to meet objectives.
o    Ensure effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders.
 

3.    Risk Management:
o    Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
o    Monitor and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle.
o    Ensure compliance with relevant standards, regulations, and company policies.
 

4.    Budget Management:
o    Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring projects stay within budget.
o    Track project expenses and report on financial performance.
 

5.    Stakeholder Management:
o    Engage with stakeholders to ensure needs are met and expectations are managed.
o    Provide regular updates on project status, challenges, and solutions.
o    Facilitate stakeholder meetings, presentations, and communications.
 

6.    Project Monitoring and Control:
o    Track project performance using appropriate tools and techniques.
o    Ensure project documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
o    Conduct regular reviews to assess project progress and address issues.

7.    Pilot & Go To Market (GTM) Launch:
o    Coordinate pilot & GTM launch activities including guiding:
  - Marketing Strategy & Execution
  - Sales Strategy & Execution
  - Logistics Strategy & Execution
  - Operational Support Strategy & Execution
  - Financial Tracking. Etc.
 

8.    Project Closure:
o    Ensure all project deliverables are met and accepted by stakeholders.
o    Conduct post-project evaluation and lessons learned sessions.
o    Close out projects by finalising all documentation and financials.

Minimum Requirements: Recognized project management qualification, solid project management experience of at least 2+ years, and with solid previous product delivery and launch projects/programs, including working with 3rd party vendors. Payment & eCommerce industry experience ideal.

Skills Required to Perform the job successfully: Strong stakeholder management skills. Assertive and able to communicate and collaborate effectively between internal and external stakeholders such as customers, banks, third-party service providers, development and support teams etc. Ability to create structure, build out a delivery plans, and hold stakeholders to account for their deliverables. Strong governance & reporting skills. A driven and proactive individual who can assimilate information quickly and self-organise.

About Payfast
At Payfast, part of the Network International Group, we make it easy for businesses of all sizes to get paid. From startups to enterprises, our secure and reliable payment solutions help merchants thrive in a digital world. We’re looking for people who share our energy, creativity, and drive to make a difference.

Why this role matters
As a Project Manager at Payfast, you’ll play a key role in turning ideas into reality. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams across the business—product, tech, operations, sales, and support—to deliver projects that improve merchant experiences and unlock growth. Our projects are diverse: from scaling platforms and rolling out new payment solutions, to improving processes and delivering critical compliance initiatives.

We’re not just looking for someone who can “manage timelines.” We’re looking for someone hungry to learn, proactive in solving problems, and motivated to see things through to impact.

What you’ll do
•    Own the delivery of projects from initiation through to implementation and closure.
•    Partner with business stakeholders to define scope, objectives, and success criteria.
•    Drive structured project planning, clear communication, and smooth execution.
•    Proactively identify risks, remove blockers, and keep delivery on track.
•    Engage with both technical and business teams to ensure alignment and accountability.
•    Support the continuous improvement of PMO practices and delivery culture.

What we’re looking for
•    Attitude first: curious, enthusiastic, resilient, and eager to learn.
•    A track record of delivering projects in fast-moving, dynamic environments.
•    Strong communication and collaboration skills—you build trust and bring people with you.
•    Previous exposure to payments, fintech, banking, or financial services is an advantage.
•    Strong organizational skills and comfort juggling multiple priorities.
•    A formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum) is preferred.
•    3+ years of project management experience (but we care more about what you’ve delivered and how you’ve grown than exact years).

What you’ll get at Payfast
•    The chance to work on impactful projects that shape the payments ecosystem in South Africa.
•    A collaborative, supportive team environment with a strong delivery culture.
•    Exposure to cutting-edge payments and fintech innovation within a global group.
•    Opportunities to grow, learn, and stretch your career.

✨ Call to action:
If you’re hungry to learn, eager to deliver impact, and ready to help shape the future of payments, we’d love to hear from you.

• Lead and own the end-to-end project management process, ensuring timely and successful delivery of key strategic projects.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and experts.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Engage and collaborate with cross-functional teams, fostering effective communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project progress, conduct regular reviews, and address challenges to keep projects on track.
• Manage project resources efficiently, optimizing budget, timeline, and team allocation for maximum impact.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices within the project team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship and support to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing project environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field, with a strong academic record.
• 5+ years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of successful delivery of complex projects.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams towards a common goal.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum, and experience with project management tools.
• Prior experience in the financial industry, particularly in acquiring or payment solutions, is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving expertise, finding innovative solutions to complex project challenges.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality project outcomes.
• Willingness to travel for project-related engagements and activities, as required by the role.