Senior Project Manager (Data Management and Software Development) at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

About the Position

• An exciting opportunity is available for a delivery driven, forward thinking, strategic, self-motivated and dynamic Senior Project Manager with solid experience in delivering data management and software projects, with a focus on systems integration. A key attribute sought is passion for driving the development of integrated business systems, in relation to the acquisition and quality of data that is utilised within software driven processes.  The role requires the positive engagement and management of delivery integrated project work streams. The applicant will be responsible for the management of various projects within the EPMO and will need to possess strong analytical and project management skills and be able to work closely with IT and business stakeholders, in a fast paced and ever-changing environment.  This well-seasoned, proactive and energetic applicant will be required to take initiative and make project delivery optimisation decisions and manage project risks and issues in order to meet project delivery and organisational objectives.

Job Purpose

• To manage the inception and implementation of transformational data driven software development projects within the controlled constraints of scope, time and budget while ensuring adherence to quality, legal and governance processes.
• Provide coaching, guidance and oversight support to junior project managers and fulfil a line management function when required.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) BCom Informatics/Information Technology or Computer Science Degree, or a Computer Science & Information Technology AND 8-10 years' experience in a software and IT environment, with a focus on the delivery of data driven software implementation projects and programmes of which 3-4 years of experience has been gained at a senior project management level.

ALTERNATIVE 

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years in a software and IT experience.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Oversee/manage the project prioritisation process by ensuring all aspects of approved business cases are transferred into in an integrated project delivery plan for practical implementation. This delivery approach will consist of managing integrated scope elements, finances to that comply with established policy and governance standards, as well as managing resource requirements to cater for the achievements of deliverables in a proactive agile manner within stipulated time constraints.
• Review and refine scope packages of work and mitigate associated delivery risks. Develop estimate based high level plans, project charters and other initiation documents required to continue with detailed project planning.
• Oversee and guide development of project plans, schedules, and other project management governance documents. Ensure the relevant resource capability and capacity is available for project delivery. Engage stakeholders and ensure there is an appreciation of the initial baseline plan and changes in plans resulting from change requests. Ensure the project planning base is sound for execution.
• Engage stakeholders and ensure there is an appreciation of the initial baseline scope and plan and facilitate decisions amongst senior steering committee member.
• Ensure the project change management approach and plan is sound and practical for execution in the operational SARS environment.
• Evaluate project performance and implement corrective measures to ensure delivery remains on track. Consolidate progress from various teams.
• Schedule regular meetings and adhoc workstream engagements meant to track and report on project delivery performance.
• Ensure the necessary project information is made available for management tracking and status reporting. Accountable for managing and delivering project in scope, on time, within budget and as per last approved baseline.
• Ensure all relevant project documents are signed-off. Manage the integrated delivery across all business/Data Environment/IT systems targeted for a project/release to ensure project delivery) remain sound and meet performance requirements.
• Identify and manage project risks and issues, develop, and execute resolutions / mitigation / contingency plans. Manage the critical path and ensure issues are mitigated to avoid downstream delivery shifts and on exception escalate unresolved issues to the respective senior manager. Ensure the relevant tracking tools are updated and provide an accurate status of the project.
• Manage scope, cost, time, changes, suppliers and contracted delivery. Ensure alignment between contracts, commitments and delivery. Capture lessons learned and ensure repeats are not experienced.
• Ensure alignment between software development partner commitments, and delivery obligations. Capture lessons learned and ensured repeats are not experienced.
• Ensure all controls (ERAIDW, cost centres) issues, risks and cost centres are adhered to, and closeout reports are documented appropriately and sign-off facilitated. Where required, ensure that project cost centres are appropriately closed, with the inclusion of returning unspent / non-committed funds to the central capital budget pool(s).
• Possess expert levels and insights of Programme Management, Strategic Change, IT/Data Management, and Organisational Change Management knowledge. Can engage at all levels to ensure projects are delivered under defined governance and controls.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, EPMO minimum standards, procedures, and legislation in the delivery of work outputs with the inclusion of cost management applicable to the project environment.
• Provide oversight for the procurement delivery process and for the on-boarding of suppliers. Manage project costs, commitments and payments. Engage contracted suppliers to conclude work orders and facilitate sign-off. Ensure cost commitments are aligned to project delivery.
• Form and foster relationships with clients, project management team, as well as internal and external stakeholders to promote integrated project delivery. Define stakeholder roles and responsibilities and clearly communicate expectations and progress.
• Through the respective line functions, manage and develop teams to operate at their full capability to deliver on project and EPMO objectives in an agile manner.
• Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy implementation objectives appropriately.
• Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical implementation.
• Recommend changes to optimise data, processes, systems, policies, and procedures, and execute the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.
• Timeously communicate top-down policy and associated decisions and critical success factors that impact stakeholders.
• Function as the bottom-line drivers of tactical implementation within the context of business unit excellence and performance improvement.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
• Implement tactical strategy and delivery plans through the development of operational activities, ensuring the achievement of operational targets.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives, implementing best practice solutions.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan and progress while realigning tactical plans and objectives appropriately.
   

Governance

• Implement governance, risk, and compliance policy in own practice area to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
• Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in a specific functional area.
   

People

• Develop and maintain a team that is capable for operating to their full capability and provide appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems, and achieve objectives.
• Plan & implement enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources.
• Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised area.

Finance

• Contribute to the development of divisional budgets to minimise expenditure aligned with divisional plans.
• Implement and monitor financial controls, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability.
• Draw up a budget aligned to tactical delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.

Client

• Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service.
• Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Build strong relationships and implement service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory Skills
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis Skills
• Application of Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Ability to persuade and Influencing Others
• Ability to Mobilise Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Confidence
• Ability to Building Sustainability
   

Technical competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Programme and Project Management
• Managerial Budgeting
• Effective Business Communication
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Planning, Management and Measurement
• Decisiveness
• Business Acumen
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Project Administration Skills
• Project Financial Control and Reporting
• Conflict Resolution
• Practice and process facilitation skills
   

Compliance Competency

• GOC Confidential