Senior Project Manager (Project Athena) at Hollard Insurance

Job Advert Summary    
Role Objectives: 

• The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of Project Athena, a large-scale transformational project that includes the implementation of a Policy Administration System (PAS), data migration, and integration with various systems. The role requires strong change management and stakeholder management skills, ensuring that the service provider is held accountable and the project is managed with precision and control.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Execution:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and schedules.
• Ensure all project deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with stream leads, business analysts, and delivery partners to control project quality and scope.
• Manage project risks and incidents, ensuring timely resolution and communication with stakeholders.

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders, including steering committee members and business units.
• Facilitate regular communication and reporting to stakeholders, providing updates on project progress, risks, and issues.
• Ensure stakeholder expectations are managed and aligned with project objectives.

Change Management:

• Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and processes.
• Develop and implement change management plans, including communication, training, and support strategies.
• Monitor and address resistance to change, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Service Provider Management:

• Hold the service provider accountable for delivering project milestones and quality standards.
• Ensure contractual obligations are met and manage any disputes or issues that arise.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to the service provider.

Data Migration and Integration:

• Oversee the data migration process, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Coordinate with technical teams to ensure seamless integration with existing systems.
• Address any data migration issues and ensure timely resolution.

Governance and Reporting:

• Ensure adherence to governance structures and processes.
• Provide consolidated weekly and monthly reports on project status, budget, risks, and issues.
• Report on project budget vs. actual expenditure, governance matters, and project progress.

Required Knowledge and Experience    
Required Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

Experience:

• 8-10 years of experience as a Project Manager in the IT environment, managing projects from inception to closeout.
• Proven track record in implementing Policy Administration Systems (PAS) or large-scale transformational projects that include data migration.
• Experience in using SAFe, Agile, and Scrum methodologies.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Experience within the insurance industry is advantageous.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at senior management level.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Educational Requirements:

• Matric
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field
• A recognized Project Management qualification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)