Program Manager, Operations Strategic Initiatives at LexisNexis South Africa

Overview

• The Program Manager, Operations Strategic Initiatives, reports to Global Operations Strategy & Program Management (SPMO). This role leads execution of high-priority strategic initiatives across Global Operations, particularly where cross-functional coordination, enterprise visibility, and execution complexity require dedicated program leadership. This role requires a highly credible, relationship-oriented leader who builds trust quickly, brings others along, and drives accountability through influence rather than authority.
• Operating in a global, matrixed environment, this role partners with senior leaders across functional areas (e.g., Editorial/Content Operations, Customer Operations, Shared Services) to deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives. The role is accountable for end-to-end delivery, including stakeholder alignment, execution planning, risk management, and benefits realization. Work may include implementation of operational transformation, technology-enabled change (including AI), or other types of initiatives. This role frequently operates at the intersection of Operations, Product, and Technology, ensuring alignment, clarity, and coordinated execution without owning detailed solution design or requirements. Assignments will evolve based on business priorities and may span multiple domains.
• The role also contributes to strengthening execution discipline across Global Operations by applying consistent project/program management practices and sharing practical insights from experience, and will contribute to the evolution of the Project/Program Management function within Global Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Initiative Leadership & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end execution of complex, high-visibility initiatives (Tier-1 and select Tier-2), with accountability across scope, milestones, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
• Translate strategic priorities into structured, multi-quarter initiatives with clear scope, timelines, dependencies, and success metrics.
• Drive execution across cross-functional teams and stakeholders including Operations, Product, and Technology, building strong working relationships that enable alignment and coordinated delivery.
• Operate independently in a matrixed environment, rapidly building domain understanding to challenge assumptions and support decision-making.
• Ensure initiatives meet expectations for quality, schedule, cost, and operational impact, taking corrective action as needed.
• Identify, manage, and escalate risks, dependencies, and trade-offs with clear, data-informed recommendations.
• Facilitate decision-oriented discussions and drive disciplined follow-through to ensure commitments are met and outcomes delivered.

Execution Discipline & Stakeholder Alignment

• Drive accountability across all contributors, proactively following up to ensure commitments are met and blockers are resolved, using strong relationships and influence to maintain momentum and achieve planned outcomes.
• Own operating cadence for assigned initiatives (e.g., progress reviews, follow-ups) and ensure effective team and stakeholder alignment.
• Maintain clear visibility and reporting into initiative status, risks, and dependencies by establishing a single source of truth in alignment with SPMO standards.
• Prepare executive-ready updates and materials that enable timely, informed decisions.
• Drive clarity and consistency in initiative communications and outcomes.
• Apply project/program management standards pragmatically, adapting to initiative complexity.
• Contribute insights and feedback to continuously improve execution practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build trust quickly, establish credibility, and motivate teams to deliver through influence rather than authority.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading large-scale, complex, cross-functional initiatives in a global, matrixed organization.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to operate across operational, strategic, and technology-enabled work.
• Experience working across Operations, Product, and/or Technology teams.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence stakeholders, including senior leaders, and drive alignment through strong relationships and credibility in a global environment.
• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, risk, and quality while maintaining execution discipline and visibility.
• Demonstrated ability to drive follow-through and deliver outcomes in complex, fast-moving environments.
• Ability to quickly ramp in new domains and build credibility in unfamiliar or specialized areas.
• Proficiency with program and project management tools (e.g., monday.com, Azure DevOps or similar) to plan, track, and report on work.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel to develop executive-ready materials, analyze data, and support decision-making.
• Fluency in applying technology, including generative AI/LLM tools, to improve personal and team productivity and drive business outcomes (application-focused, not development).
• 5+ years of relevant experience leading project teams or coordinating cross-functional work; experience in or exposure to enterprise PMO environments is a plus.
• PMP preferred (or ability to obtain within 1 year).
• 5+ years of relevant experience leading project teams or coordinating cross-functional work; experience in or exposure to enterprise PMO environments is a plus.