Manager - Projects

The Manager Projects leads the successful delivery of PhoenixBev’s technology project portfolio, covering ERP, CRM, Infrastructure, Data, Cybersecurity, and emerging technology initiatives.

The role ensures that all technology projects are initiated, governed, and executed using robust project management practices.

The incumbent owns the Technology Project Governance Framework, oversees the full project lifecycle (from ideation to closure), and ensures alignment between IT, business stakeholders, and vendors. Vendor management, cross-functional collaboration, and people leadership are central to this role.

The role works closely with IT leadership, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity, data/BI teams, business system owners, functional SMEs, and external implementation partners.

Regular engagement with senior leadership is required to maintain alignment between technology investments and organisational priorities.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Technology Project Portfolio Management

1. Own, maintain, and evolve the Technology Project Governance Framework covering initiation, scoping, business casing, stage-gates, approvals, delivery, reporting, and closure.
2. Define project governance standards (templates, RAID management, reporting routines, documentation structure, PMO controls).
3. Drive effective governance appropriate to each project’s scale and strategic importance, through SteerCos, weekly progress/risk reviews, and periodic portfolio review and prioritisation sessions.
4. Ensure all technology projects have clear charters, baselines, approved budgets, RACI, and success criteria before execution.
5. Drive consistent use of KPIs, dashboards, and status reporting to ensure leadership visibility and informed decision-making.
6. Maintain portfolio-level oversight: tracking interdependencies, cross-project risks, cumulative impacts, and alignment with the technology roadmap.
7. Manage external technology vendors and implementation partners, monitoring SLA adherence, delivery quality, risk, and cost.
8. Lead vendor selection, RFP processes, due diligence, and contract/SOW negotiations in collaboration with business teams.

Project Delivery Leadership

1. Lead the end-to-end delivery of technology projects across ERP, CRM, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Data/BI, and Digital systems.
2. Drive different delivery models (waterfall, hybrid, or agile) based on the needs and complexity of each project.
3. Oversee planning, resource allocation, scheduling, vendor management, budgeting, and quality assurance.
4. Ensure strong execution of risk management, change control, issue escalation, dependency management, and decision tracking.
5. Coordinate with technical teams (Infrastructure, Cyber, Data, App Support) to ensure design integrity and architectural alignment.
6. Reinforce disciplined delivery practices: UAT planning, documentation, environment readiness, cutover planning, and post-go-live support.
7. Promote continuous improvement through retrospectives, delivery reviews, and process optimisation within the PMO.

Change Management Coordination

1. Ensure change management is initiated early for all technology projects, in collaboration with the business and designated Change/Communications Leads.
2. Coordinate alignment between project milestones and change activities, ensuring communication, training, and adoption plans progress in sync with delivery.
3. Ensure business, HR, and functional leaders take ownership of process changes, end-user readiness, and adoption activities.
4. Monitor risks related to user adoption or readiness and escalate where required to maintain delivery and business continuity.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Professional project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner or Agile/Scrum Master) preferred.

Experience

• 8–10 years of experience delivering technology projects
• At least 3 years in a senior project management or PMO leadership role within an IT context.
• Proven track record delivering medium-to-large technology projects with structured governance and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong experience managing third-party vendors, technology partners, and integrators.
• Experience with hybrid delivery models and enterprise-level IT governance.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or operationally intensive environments is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills within both business and IT environments.
• Strong understanding of enterprise technology landscapes
• Advanced project planning, risk management, and financial budgeting abilities.
• Ability to manage pressure, navigate ambiguity, and lead structured decision-making.
• Strong communication, influencing, and presentation capabilities.
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ability to lead through collaboration.