Cross Divisional Project Manager (Asset Management/Financial Services)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Overview:

Our client, an independent global asset manager with R3 trillion in assets under management, is seeking a Cross Divisional Project Manager (9 month contract) to join their team. The Operational Change team is responsible for delivering strategic and regulatory change across the firm's operating platform. They sit within the wider Operations function and work closely with teams across Operations, Client Group and Investments, as well as key third-party service providers. Their focus is on ensuring change is delivered efficiently, with minimal disruption to day-to-day activity, while maintaining a strong control environment. The team operates in a decentralised model, partnering with business leads to shape, coordinate, and implement change across multiple functions and geographies.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership and accountability for delivery of cross-divisional change initiatives
• Ensure cohesion and collaboration across delivery streams
• Provide regular and appropriate communication of progress to key stakeholders and sponsors
• Create and manage comprehensive project plans that reflect requirements and delivery paths
• Ensure IT solutions (internal and external) satisfy business requirements and objectives
• Manage risks and issues effectively, including appropriate escalation when these cannot be resolved within workstreams
• Lead and motivate project teams to maximize achievement of objectives
• Facilitate effective communication across workstreams, business stakeholders and sponsors
• Develop subject matter expertise as required to enable effective delivery, including maintaining awareness of regulatory changes affecting the business
• Share knowledge, ideas and best practices with team members and industry peers
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration across the change team and business areas

Requirements:

• Proven experience managing cross-functional change projects in asset management or financial services
• A track record of successful delivery on regulatory and industry-driven initiatives in either South Africa or the UK (e.g. SFDR, T+1 settlement change, EMIR, ESG regulations)
• The ability to influence and coordinate without direct authority
• Confidence to challenge constructively and hold stakeholders accountable
• A calm, pragmatic approach - especially when projects shift or priorities conflict
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and delivery controls in a regulated environment

Attributes:

• The ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships
• Driven by results
• Ability to recognise and embrace change
• A client focused and collaborative approach
• High conviction and be comfortable sharing opinions
• Ability to analyse, interpret and assimilate information
• A curiosity about technology and its potential to drive innovation