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.

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.

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 work streams 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 work streams 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

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…