Senior Manager: Project Manager

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Senior Manager: Project Management to lead and oversee strategic projects across the organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing a team of project managers, ensuring the successful execution of complex initiatives, and aligning projects with overall business goals. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills.

POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Title: Senior Manager: Project Management
Employment Type: 6 months Contract
Work Location: Hybrid, with travelling to Angola.


JOB CONTEXT:
We are seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead the establishment of a Representative Office in Angola. This is a critical role in our expansion into the Angolan market, a developing economy with a complex and evolving regulatory landscape for financial services. The successful Project Manager will need to work closely with the stakeholders, local legal experts, regulatory consultants, and the National Bank of Angola (Banco Nacional de Angola) to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations while setting up our operations. This role requires a deep understanding of financial regulations, excellent project management skills, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of the Angolan business environment. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the bank's establishment, from securing the necessary licenses and permits to overseeing the physical setup of our offices. They will need to manage relationships with local partners, government officials, and internal stakeholders to ensure a smooth and compliant launch of our operations in Angola. This role presents an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal part in our organization's growth strategy in Africa, requiring a blend of financial sector expertise, regulatory acumen, and strong project management capabilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning & Coordination:

• Work with the team to refine the commercial strategy for representative office.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive project plan encompassing all aspects of the office setup.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, governance structures and timelines in collaboration with senior management and key stakeholders.
• Identify and set-up key project workstreams. Coordinate and manage the work of cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones and deliverables are met.
• Prepare detailed project schedules and maintain updates to reflect progress and changes.
• Create project repository for all project documentation and sharing.
• Provide weekly / monthly updates to the key stakeholders, the Business Forum and Exco on the business case, office set-up progress and implementation.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.

• Engagement with internal (external) legal on the relevant application processes.
• Engage with local regulators and government authorities to ensure all aspects of the office setup adhere to local laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement compliance strategies to meet industry-specific regulations and requirements.
• Prepare and submit required documentation and reports to regulatory bodies to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals
• Ensure the office operations are compliant with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all necessary licenses and permits are obtained

• Collaborate with the relevant team to identify and secure appropriate real estate for the new office, including lease negotiations and contract management.
• Oversee office design and layout planning, working with architects and interior designers to ensure alignment with company standards and functional requirements.
• Manage office setup including furniture procurement, IT infrastructure, and facilities maintenance.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for office fit-out and setup.

• Collaborate with relevant team to design and implement comprehensive security plans to safeguard the office premises and its operations.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure physical and IT security measures are in place and functional, including access controls and surveillance systems.
• Monitor and address any security or risk-related issues that arise during the setup phase.
• Work with IT teams to implement robust and compliant technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.

• Collaborate with relevant team to develop and execute a branding strategy for the new office, ensuring alignment with corporate branding guidelines.
• Oversee the design and installation of brand signage, office décor, and other visual elements.
• Coordinate internal and external communications regarding the office opening, including press releases and stakeholder announcements.
• Collaborate with Marketing teams to develop localized branding strategies.

• Collaborate with relevant team to develop and manage the project budget, ensuring cost-effective procurement and expenditure.
• Monitor project financials, track expenses, and manage invoicing and payments.
• Prepare regular financial reports and updates for senior management.
• Coordinate with Finance teams on local banking arrangements and financial systems setup.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations and reporting requirements.

• Identify and engage with key stakeholders including internal departments, external vendors, and local partners.
• Facilitate regular stakeholder meetings to provide project updates, address concerns, and solicit feedback.
• Maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders to ensure project objectives are achieved and interests are aligned.
• Provide regular status updates to senior management and key stakeholders.

• Work with HR to execute staffing plans for the new office.
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding process for local staff.
• Ensure employment alignment with local labor laws and company HR policies.

• Monitor daily progress of the project, ensuring tasks are completed as scheduled and issues are addressed promptly.
• Prepare and present daily and weekly status reports to senior management.
• Handle any on-site issues or changes, coordinating with relevant teams to implement solutions.
• Conduct daily project team meetings to track progress and address issues.
• Review and approve project-related documents and contracts.
• Conduct site visits to the new office location to oversee progress.

• Lead and motivate the project team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between team members and other departments.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between global and local teams.
• Drive a culture of proactive compliance and risk management within the team.

• Plan and execute a smooth go-live for the repo operations, ensuring all systems, processes, and people are ready.
• Handover operations to the local team and ensure a framework for ongoing support and monitoring.

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or related field; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project management, with a specific experience in setting up an office in a regulated industry.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects with multiple workstreams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the jurisdiction.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity for working in new environments.
• Willingness to travel extensively during the project duration
• Extensive understanding of the local economy and Angolan banking sector including economic policies and practices and understanding of Angolan contract law.
• Outstanding leadership capability

• Fully bilingual in Portuguese and English.
• Experience with real estate acquisition and facilities management.
• Knowledge of security systems and risk management.
• Familiarity with branding and marketing strategies.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.
• Understanding of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity requirements.

• Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, applicable banking experience, and previous earnings.