Operations Project Manager

Salary: Up to R45,000 per month, depending on experience
Location: Foreshore, Cape Town
Working hours: UK hours
Working arrangement: Fully office-based – no remote or hybrid working

About the opportunity

An established UK-focused operations team is looking to expand its project management function and is interested in speaking with experienced Operational Project Managers across a range of seniority levels, from mid-level Project Managers through to experienced Team Leads.

These opportunities are suited to hands-on Project Managers who enjoy working in a fast-paced operational environment, managing multiple projects, coordinating resources and taking ownership of delivery from start to finish.

Depending on experience, the role may also include responsibility for supporting and leading a small project team, including workload planning, mentoring and acting as a point of escalation.

This is an operational/project delivery environment and is not aimed at IT or software Project Managers.

What you'll be doing

Responsibilities will vary depending on experience and seniority, but may include:

• Managing projects from initial planning and mobilisation through to completion
• Coordinating resources, suppliers, internal teams and project requirements
• Managing multiple timelines, priorities and deadlines
• Communicating with UK-based clients and managing project updates
• Monitoring project progress, quality, costs and delivery
• Identifying risks and resolving issues as they arise
• Managing client queries and escalations
• Coordinating operational teams and ensuring project requirements are delivered correctly
• Supporting data processing, quality checks and project reporting
• Assisting with billing and project close-out
• Reviewing project performance and delivery KPIs
• Supporting resource planning and workload allocation

For more senior candidates and those stepping into a Team Lead position, responsibilities may also include:

• Supporting, mentoring and coaching Project Managers and Project Coordinators
• Overseeing workloads and priorities across the project team
• Acting as a key escalation point for complex projects and client issues
• Supporting resource planning and team capacity
• Reviewing project performance and identifying areas for improvement
• Helping to maintain consistent processes and quality standards
• Working closely with senior UK operational leadership
• Continuing to take ownership of projects rather than moving entirely into an oversight role

What we're looking for Project Manager level

• At least 3 years' project management experience
• Experience managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills
• Experience dealing with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Good commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Comfortable taking ownership and making decisions

Senior / Team Lead level

• 5+ years' project management experience
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing a team
• Strong experience managing complex projects and client escalations
• Experience with workload planning and resource allocation
• Strong commercial awareness, including project costs and margins
• Confident decision-making and problem-solving skills
• A hands-on management style, with the ability to remain involved in project delivery

Experience in transport, traffic surveys, engineering, field services, research, data collection, logistics or a similar operational environment would be particularly beneficial.

Salary & working environment

Salary: Up to R45,000 per month, depending on experience and level of responsibility.

These positions are based in Foreshore, Cape Town, working UK hours.

The roles are fully office-based, with no remote or hybrid working available.

Please note: These are operational project management positions and candidates whose experience is primarily within IT, software or technology project management are unlikely to be suitable.

Pay: Up to R45 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Have you managed project costs or budgets?
• Have you managed project resources and workloads?
• What type of projects have you managed?

Experience:

• Operational project management: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person