Senior Programme Manager – Strategic Platform Transformation

Location: South Africa, Cape Town, On-site

Start Date: January 2026

Duration: 12-month contract (renewable based on performance)

Industry: Financial Services / Insurance

Client: Confidential (Tier-1 Financial Services Provider) Overview

Our client, a leading South African financial services group, is embarking on a large-scale transformation programme focused on Platform Evolution Re-Imagined – a multi-year initiative designed to modernize operations and enhance the client experience across multiple product lines, including Claims, Contributions, Onboarding, Investments, and Annuities.

As part of this transformation, they are looking for a seasoned Programme Manager to lead a highly complex, enterprise-wide change programme, managing cross-functional initiatives across governance, technology, customer experience, and capability development.

Key Objectives of the Programme Deliver an administration platform on a scalable, fit-for-future hybrid cloud-based architecture.

Drive greater automation and straight-through processing to enhance customer experience (CX).

Streamline overlapping functionality across the enterprise to enhance UX.

Expand digital capabilities for internal and external users.

Enable modular system development and reduce duplication of core functionality. Responsibilities Oversee end-to-end programme delivery, working across multiple business units and stakeholder groups.

Ensure strategic alignment between platform initiatives and Sanlam’s digital transformation agenda.

Lead complex planning, execution, and reporting across multiple workstreams and vendors.

Manage project interdependencies, risks, and governance in collaboration with leadership.

Provide oversight and direction for resource allocation, performance, and milestone tracking. Requirements

Essentials Proven experience as a Senior Programme Manager leading multi-year, enterprise-wide digital or platform transformation initiatives.

Strong track record in the financial services or insurance industry is essential – understanding of core products such as investments, annuities, onboarding, and claims is highly beneficial.

Demonstrated ability to work with C-level stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams.

Expertise in strategic planning, change governance, and business readiness across complex ecosystems.

Experience managing high-budget programmes with multiple vendors, platforms, and timelines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executive audiences. Additional Info This is a critical hire tied to the delivery of a high-priority, business-case-approved transformation programme.

The initial contract is 12 months with performance-based renewals (full programme timeline estimated through to Dec 2027) Salt is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.