LDC Manager - Project.Strategy and Innovation

To lead and manage the end-to-end delivery of complex technical and Agile-enabled projects, ensuring alignment to business objectives, effective stakeholder engagement, strong governance, and measurable value realisation across hybrid delivery environments. Bonus consideration will be given to candidates with experience in Agile coaching and/or leading Agile transformation rollouts at team or enterprise level.

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

 

Minimum Requirements 
1.    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.
2.    Education 
•    Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, Engineering or related field.
•    Agile certifications preferred (e.g. SAFe Agilist, Scrum Master).
•    PMP or PRINCE2 advantageous.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:
•    Proficiency in project management tools (e.g. PPM, Jira, MS DevOps, Confluence, MS Project, Excel) 
•    Strong knowledge of Agile delivery frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, hybrid models)
•    Familiarity with governance frameworks (EPMO alignment, financial controls, reporting)
•    Understanding of digital transformation environments, system integration, and remote delivery practices
•    Proficient in AI tools such as Co-Pilot

 

About MTN South Africa

Launched in 1994, MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.