Program Manager – Strategic Iniatives – Econo Foods

Econofoods is a fast-growing FMCG Retail company specializing in frozen foods. Dedicated to delivering high-quality products at unbeatable prices, we prioritize customer satisfaction every single day. Our commitment to excellence, simplicity and our vibrant colourful people working at Econofoods sets us apart in the industry. Central to our identity is our unique HO HOLA Culture, characterized by appreciation and recognition. We celebrate the contribution of every individual and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to lead key strategic initiatives across our business, reporting directly to the CFO. As the Program Manager, you will: oversee high-impact, cross-functional projects critical to our growth; Partner with EXCO leaders to deliver measurable business outcomes; establish best-in-class project management practices; drive performance, risk management, and accountability across all initiatives.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you. Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Program Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of key strategic initiatives across the company. Ensuring robust project governance, scalable capability and capacity, and alignment of the strategic portfolio to Econofoods financial and operational goals. Working closely with the CFO, EXCO, and project sponsors, this role will ensure that programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to business priorities. The Program Manager will establish and embed project management best practices, manage interdependencies, and provide visibility on progress to executive leadership. This role will oversee key initiatives while ensuring that all programs delivery measurable business value and financial impact for the CFO and Exco.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Governance & Portfolio Management: 

• Design and embed a company-wide governance framework (stage gates, approvals, risk and benefits tracking).
• Lead portfolio planning, prioritisation, and capacity management across functions.
• Provide consolidated dashboards to CFO/Exco with cost, schedule, benefit, and risk data.
• Chair Programme Steering Committees and ensure disciplined reporting.
• Oversee multiple strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with company strategy. Lead the Project Management Office (PMO) and ensure consistent methodologies, tools, and governance.

2. Project Planning & Execution:

• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, timelines, and resource allocations.
• Monitor project progress, risks, and dependencies, providing early escalation and problem-solving.
• Establish a scalable PMO structure, maturity roadmap, and knowledge hub.
• Build and manage a capacity model to balance resource demand and supply.
• Develop project leadership skills across the organisation; coach and mentor business project owners.
• Reduce reliance on external consultants by building strong internal delivery capability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Act as a key liaison between the CFO, EXCO, and project teams.
• Facilitate decision-making and ensure alignment across functions.

4. Performance & Reporting:

• Track and report on program outcomes, milestones, and KPIs.
• Provide executive-level reporting and insights for the CFO and Board where required.
• Translate programme performance into clear financial and operational impact (cost savings, working-capital improvement, productivity, and ROI).
• Deliver monthly reporting packs for CFO/Exco linking portfolio spend to benefits.
• Track and report on benefits realisation across all strategic initiatives.

 5. Change & Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Support change management processes to ensure smooth adoption of new systems, processes, or structures.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

1. Company-wide governance framework fully embedded.
2. Portfolio dashboards live and in use by CFO/Exco.
3. ERP successfully selected and implemented as part of the portfolio.
4. Benefits realisation framework in place, with ≥80% benefits achieved.
5. PMO maturity uplift by at least one level within 12 months.

 SUCCESS METRICS (KPI’S):

1. Stage-gate compliance ≥95% across all projects.
2. Portfolio capacity forecast accuracy ±10%.
3. ≥80% of planned benefits realised within 12 months of project completion.
4. ERP delivered within ±10% budget, ±5% schedule, with ≥85% adoption.
5. PMO maturity uplift ≥1 level year-on-year.