Retail Real Estate Programme Manager

About the Role

• A leading South African retailer is undertaking a large-scale store refurbishment programme – significant in scope, investment, and complexity. They need a seasoned Programme Manager to own end-to-end delivery across a multi-site, multi-function initiative with demanding timelines and high executive visibility.
• This is not a coordination role. The right person has led programmes of this scale before, understands the retail environment from the inside, and can hold the line on governance, timelines, and stakeholder alignment simultaneously.
• Due to the high volume of applications expected, candidates who have not received feedback within two weeks of applying should consider their application unsuccessful.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead programme management of a complex, large-scale retail store refurbishment initiative
• Drive alignment and integration across multiple business functions throughout the full value chain
• Manage programme governance, risk, budgets, and timelines with rigour
• Lead change management across people, process, and technology workstreams
• Manage a demanding stakeholder environment – from executive sponsors to operational teams
• Oversee cross-functional delivery teams and hold accountability for outcomes
• Travel frequently across South Africa as programme requirements demand

Requirements

• Extensive programme management experience within a retail environment – non-negotiable
• Proven track record delivering large-scale business transformation initiatives
• Strong change management capability across people, process, and technology
• Experience managing programmes with significant capital investment and operational impact
• Exceptional planning, governance, and execution discipline
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and delivery level
• Previous experience at Woolworths in a similar capacity is advantageous

Contract Details

• Duration: 12 months
• Location: South Africa frequent travel required