Senior Programme Manager (Networks and Messaging) Contract

SUMMARY:
Senior Programme Manager, Networks, Messaging

POSITION INFO:
Programme Manager - Networks and Messaging Job Description Our client, a global technology firm, is seeking a Programme Manager (Networks and Messaging) to join their team in Sandton on a contractor basis. They offer stability, growth, attractive rates and a great working environment. Role Overview The Programme Manager - Networks and Messaging will provide strategic leadership, governance and delivery oversight across a portfolio of enterprise network and messaging initiatives. The role will lead modernisation, migration, integration, upgrade and operational-readiness programmes spanning network infrastructure, collaboration, email and messaging services. It is responsible for aligning programme outcomes with business, technology, cyber security and operational objectives while coordinating multiple project teams, vendors, stakeholders, dependencies, risks, budgets and executive reporting requirements. Key Responsibilities Provide programme leadership across multiple network and messaging projects, ensuring delivery aligns with strategic objectives, governance requirements, scope, budget, timelines and expected business outcomes. Oversee network modernisation workstreams covering LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, internet connectivity, routing, switching, firewalls, DNS, VPN and remote-access services. Lead enterprise messaging and collaboration workstreams, including email platform migrations, Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365 services, Teams messaging, mail flow, identity integration, archiving, retention, security and operational transition. Establish and maintain integrated programme plans, roadmaps, dependency maps, budgets, RAID logs, governance forums, status reports and executive communication packs. Coordinate project managers, technical delivery leads, network engineers, messaging specialists, security architects, infrastructure teams, service desk teams, vendors and senior business stakeholders. Manage programme-level milestones, interdependencies, risks, issues, decisions, change requests and escalation paths to maintain delivery momentum and control. Drive business, technical, operational and change readiness across deployment waves, communications, testing, training, service transition and support handover activities. Ensure network and messaging solutions comply with architecture standards, cyber security policies, data protection requirements, regulatory expectations and operational support requirements. Manage vendor and third-party delivery performance, ensuring contractual deliverables, timelines, documentation, resourcing, licensing and support obligations are met. Prepare and present programme updates, governance packs, delivery dashboards, financial summaries and decision papers to steering committees, sponsors, technical forums and executive stakeholders. Lead benefits tracking, programme reviews, lessons learned and continuous-improvement activities to strengthen future network and messaging delivery. Required Experience and Skills Proven experience leading complex enterprise infrastructure, network, messaging, collaboration, cloud or digital transformation programmes. Experience managing portfolios or programmes involving LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, firewalls, proxies, VPN, routing, switching, DNS, internet connectivity and remote access. Strong experience with enterprise messaging and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Exchange, Exchange Online, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, including migrations, hybrid environments and service transition. Working knowledge of mail flow, email security, identity and access integration, archiving, retention, compliance, disaster recovery and business continuity. Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies, including waterfall, agile and hybrid delivery, portfolio governance, financial management, benefits tracking and release management. Ability to work with senior technical and business stakeholders to manage dependencies, constraints, risks, implementation roadmaps, resourcing and operational impacts. Excellent executive stakeholder management, communication, facilitation, negotiation, governance and reporting skills. Strong strategic planning, organisation, documentation, prioritisation, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Experience using programme, project, financial and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Project, Planner, Jira, Azure DevOps, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint and portfolio reporting dashboards. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Programme Management or a related field. Programme or project management certification such as MSP, PMP, PRINCE2, AgilePM, Scrum Master, PgMP or equivalent. ITIL Foundation or a similar service management certification. Relevant Microsoft, networking or cloud certification, such as Microsoft 365, Exchange, Teams, CCNA, CCNP or an equivalent credential. Experience delivering enterprise-scale network modernisation, messaging platform migration, collaboration transformation, cloud adoption or other large multi-workstream technology programmes.