General Manager-Project Management office

Sandton, South Africa

 

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: GENERAL MANAGER: PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

CENTRE: CEF HEAD OFFICE, SANDTON

CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

 JOB PURPOSE:

To establish and lead a centralised Project Management Office (PMO) that drives the effective planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of strategic projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, strong governance, and successful implementation of turnaround initiatives and new business opportunities.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Matric and honours degree (NQF8) in Project Management, Business Administration/Engineering/ Business Leadership, or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 to 8 years’ experience in Senior Management and a minimum of 1 to 3 years’ experience at top management.
  • Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Project Management, Business Administration/Engineering/ Business Leadership, or related field will serve as an added advantage.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES:

  • Project and programme management skills across full project lifecycle
  • Planning, scheduling, and project control capabilities
  • Project management tools and systems (e.g., PPMS, dashboards, reporting tools)
  • Data analysis and reporting skills (financial and operational insights)
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication skills (Executive, Board, external stakeholders)
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Financial management and budgeting skills (forecasting, variance analysis)
  • Problem-solving and decision-making ability
  • Change management and implementation capability
  • Leadership and team coordination skills
  • Project management methodologies and frameworks (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2)
  • Project lifecycle (initiation to close-out)
  • Portfolio and programme management principles
  • Energy sector dynamics and infrastructure projects
  • Governance frameworks, PFMA, and regulatory requirements
  • Risk management and compliance frameworks
  • Financial management Principles in Project environments
  • Performance monitoring, KPIs, and reporting systems
  • Change management practices and organisational transformation

 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

 PMO Strategic Support & Management

  • Develop and implement PM frameworks, policies, SOPs, and templates
  • Establish and manage a Project Portfolio Management System (PPMS)
  • Implement project dashboards, KPIs, and performance tracking tools
  • Align projects with organisational strategy and portfolio priorities
  • Drive change management initiatives to support PMU adoption

Project Scheduling and Controlling

  • Develop scheduling templates and guidelines aligned to best practice
  • Monitor project timelines, milestones, and resource allocation
  • Conduct quality assurance and regular schedule reviews
  • Implement proactive project control and early warning systems
  • Coordinate with cost controllers on budget vs actual tracking

 Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting 

  • Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems and tools
  • Track KPIs, deliverables, and project progress
  • Facilitate regular stakeholder and project review meetings
  • Conduct field visits, audits, and quality reviews
  • Compile and review technical and executive reports

 Risk, Compliance & Governance

  • Develop and implement risk management frameworks and strategies
  • Monitor and mitigate project risks proactively
  • Ensure compliance with PFMA, procurement, and governance requirements
  • Oversee contract and service provider management
  • Conduct compliance audits and enforce corrective actions

Financial Management & Oversight

  • Monitor project budgets, expenditure, and forecasts
  • Conduct variance analysis and implement corrective actions
  • Develop financial reports (budget vs actuals)
  • Support business units in budgeting and forecasting
  • Implement financial controls and governance mechanisms

Publish date:   19 June 2026

Closing Date:  28 June 2026

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right not to fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.

 

Department: Office of COO
Contract Type: Permanent