We are seeking an experienced delivery leader to manage an API Enablement Programme focused on establishing an Integration Orchestration Layer within a large retail organisation.

This is a contract role, onsite based in Cape Town.

The successful candidate will coordinate technical delivery, business priorities and dependent projects while engaging directly with the CIO and other C-suite executives. This role requires an assertive, credible leader who can challenge constructively, drive decisions and take practical ownership of delivery within a lean environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end programme planning and delivery, defining scope, outcomes, milestones, resources and dependencies.

• Coordinate the teams delivering API enablement, integration capabilities and the orchestration layer.

• Work with architecture, development, infrastructure, security and business teams to align delivery with enterprise requirements.

• Manage dependencies across systems, workstreams, vendors and related projects.

• Establish programme governance, maintain delivery visibility and escalate risks with clear recommendations.

• Engage directly with executive sponsors, presenting progress, delivery options, risks and decisions required.

• Drive integration testing, business readiness, deployment planning and transition into operational support.

• Take a hands-on approach to resolving delivery issues and coordinating activities beyond traditional programme management boundaries.

Essential Requirements

• At least seven years of relevant project, programme or technology delivery experience, with a proven record of delivering complex initiatives.

• Strong technical understanding of APIs, enterprise integration, system dependencies and integration orchestration.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and manage cross-functional delivery.

• Proven experience delivering for a CIO or other C-suite executive sponsor.

• Confidence engaging senior executives, challenging assumptions and holding teams accountable.

• Strong planning, governance, risk management and stakeholder communication skills.

• Willingness to work onsite four days per week and accommodate executive schedules.

Preferred Experience

• Retail experience is highly valued.

• Candidates without retail experience must demonstrate strong executive engagement and delivery experience, ideally on CIO-sponsored initiatives.

• Experienced Senior Project Managers or technical delivery leaders moving into programme management may be considered where they demonstrate the required technical depth, executive credibility and delivery ownership.