Manager - Project.Strategy and Innovation (LDC) at MTN

Responsibilities

Task Complexity:

• Manage the full project lifecycle for complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, systems, and delivery models (Agile, hybrid, or traditional).
• Projects may include offshore teams, cross-functional dependencies, and high delivery risk.
• Plan and deliver complex, cross-functional projects involving system integration, Agile delivery structures, multiple business units, and high-impact change.
• Navigate dependencies, vendor engagements, offshore coordination, and simultaneous timelines, often with non-negotiable deadlines and changing priorities.
• Ensure structured backlog management and release planning in Agile contexts.
• Project Delivery-Lead complex projects through all phases (initiation to closure) ensuring delivery on time, scope, and budget.
• Governance & Risk Management-Apply structured governance, track project changes, risks and compliance across hybrid models.
• Stakeholder Engagement-Build trust, communicate proactively, and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Agile Execution-Apply Agile frameworks effectively (e.g., Scrum, SAFe), manage evolving requirements, align delivery cadence.
• Team Leadership-Foster motivation, resolve conflict, and sustain high performance in diverse and hybrid teams.
• Value Realisation-Define, track and report benefits to ensure tangible outcomes linked to strategic goals.
• Transformation Support(Optional Bonus)-Support or lead Agile rollouts, coach teams and stakeholders, and influence organisational mindset shifts.

Problem Solving / Solution Design

• Identify project delivery bottlenecks and design practical solutions balancing time, cost, and scope.
• Respond to emerging risks, shifting stakeholder expectations, or scope creep with structured corrective action.
• Integrate Agile principles to increase delivery velocity while aligning with regulatory, business, or PMO standards.
• Encourage team problem-solving through retrospectives, planning sessions, and collaborative design thinking where appropriate.

Research

• Evaluate delivery frameworks, tools, and practices suited to project needs.
• Continuously explore and apply best-fit delivery frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, hybrid), tools (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps), and practices based on organisational maturity and business context.
• Stay current on Agile delivery innovations, digital transformation trends, and EPMO evolution to enhance ways of working.
• Apply lessons from past project data to improve estimation, velocity tracking, and benefits forecasting.
• Conduct research relating to MTN SA business and systems, for relevant business unit
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in organisational development, functional operations, and technology areas associated with Relevant business unit.
• Sort, accumulate and analyse information from external sources to assist with problem solving
• Assist in identifying and assessing market trends, taking local conditions into consideration
• Proficient in AI tools such as Co-Pilot, ability to plan and organize using AI tools.

Reporting and feedback

• Provide structured, transparent updates to stakeholders, steering committees, and EPMO using dashboards and Agile reporting tools.
• Track scope changes, risks, and benefits. Tailor communication for different audiences (execs, teams, EPMO).
• Deliver timely, audience-specific reporting: visual dashboards, executive packs, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and financial tracking.
• Translate complex delivery metrics into actionable insights for business and technical stakeholders.
• Provide constructive feedback to teams and influence up through regular engagement with Product Owners, EPMO, and leadership teams.

Quality Management

• Apply structured governance aligned with EPMO and Agile ceremonies to maintain delivery standards.
• Track scope, budget, and quality using iterative checkpoints. Implement risk mitigation strategies early.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and Agile quality practices (e.g., definition of done, sprint reviews, test integration).

Customer Satisfaction

Internal

• Build stakeholder confidence by delivering business-relevant outcomes, not just outputs.
• Maintain active engagement across project phases through demos, feedback loops, and transparent communication.
• Tailor engagement style for different stakeholder personas (executive, operational, technical).
• Manage resistance and foster adoption by understanding organisational change impact.
• Consistently uphold delivery commitments to enhance internal client trust.

External

• Build and maintain solid relationships with all MTN SA stakeholders
• Align service delivery to changing market segments
• Understand customer needs and develop and fine-tune systems accordingly
• Ensure customer needs and requirements are satisfied through appropriate systems / processes / procedures
• Put contingency plans in place to prevent delays and enhance the customer experience
• Adopt a proactive approach to prevent problems from arising in the future
• Initiate change to continually improve all aspects of service delivery
• Identify trends / patterns pertaining to customer requests and needs and filter this information through to business units to continually improve all aspects of service delivery

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

• 5–8 years in project management, ideally in telecoms or large enterprise environments.
• 3-5 years’ experience in Agile
• Experience with Agile delivery in hybrid settings.
• Exposure to stakeholder and executive communication.
• Demonstrated results in benefits realisation and governance.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, Engineering or related field.
• Agile certifications preferred (e.g. SAFe Agilist, Scrum Master).
• PMP or PRINCE2 advantageous.

Apply Before: 07/22/2025