IT Programme Manager (Contract)

Introduction The IT Programme Manager is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of large‑scale, strategic technology programmes. This role oversees multiple interdependent projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, effective resource coordination, governance compliance, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

Duties & Responsibilities Programme Leadership and Delivery:

Lead end‑to‑end management of complex IT programmes, including scoping, roadmap creation, delivery oversight, and benefit realisation. Ensure programme delivery aligns with organisational strategy and technology standards. Develop and maintain detailed programme plans, timelines, and reporting structures. Drive cross-functional collaboration across technical and business teams.

Governance and Compliance

Establish and manage programme governance frameworks. Facilitate Steering Committee meetings and executive reporting. Maintain documentation such as charters, business cases, RAID logs, and financial controls.

Financial Management

Own programme budgets and forecasts. Track expenditures and drive cost optimisation. Ensure benefits realisation tracking.

Risk, Issue and Dependency Management

Proactively manage risks, issues, and dependencies. Implement mitigation strategies and escalate where needed. Stakeholder and Communication Management: Manage senior stakeholder relationships and communication. Produce high-quality dashboards, reports, and presentations.

Team and Vendor Management

Lead and mentor project managers, analysts, and delivery teams. Coordinate external vendors and supplier

Desired Experience & Qualification

Matric and a Bachelors degree in IT, Business, or related field. 8+ years experience delivering large IT programmes. Experience with cloud, cybersecurity, ERP/CRM, or infrastructure modernisation.

Certifications

PMP, PgMP, MSP, Prince2 Practitioner. Agile certifications (Scrum Master, SAFe). ITIL Foundation or higher.

Skills

Strong understanding of Agile/Waterfall/DevOps methodologies. Excellent financial and budget management. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.