81 Research Manager jobs in South Africa

Company Overview:
Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics and software development.

We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of geo-spatial and analytic projects to a range of property, business to consumer, government and financial services clients.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product or service we undertake to deliver.

Team Overview:
The Projects and Research team at Lightstone delivers high quality market research, customer experience measurement and bespoke project solutions. We manage complex, high value projects across multiple industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Our department includes skilled Project and Research Managers, a dedicated Quality Auditing team and a professional outbound research team.

We work in a fast paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, insight and delivery are key. Our focus is on translating data into meaningful stories that support decision making for our clients. The team thrives on curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong connection to Lightstone's values of participation, responsiveness and winning together.

Role Overview:
As an
intermediate-level Projects and Research Manager
, you will be responsible for managing and delivering research and bespoke projects from start to finish. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are scoped correctly, timelines are met, and outputs meet quality standards.

You will work closely with Senior Managers, internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate delivery, resolve issues, and communicate progress clearly. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, has a passion for data-driven insights, and takes pride in seeing projects through to completion.

While not a formal leadership role, you will guide project contributors, collaborate across departments, and contribute to process improvements. The position demands focus, ownership and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Marketing Management Degree or equivalent.

• Valid driver's licence and own transport advantageous.

Experience:

• 3+ years' experience in a project or research management role.

• Experience managing multiple client or internal projects simultaneously.

• Exposure to customer experience or market research environments preferred.
Technical Skills:

• Proficient in working with, analysing and reporting on data.

• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables and basic data modelling).

• Confident using Microsoft Office Suite products.

• Exposure to BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau advantageous.

• Professional approach to report writing and documentation.

• Able to communicate findings clearly and confidently to stakeholders.

• Skilled at managing all phases of a research project from scoping to delivery.

• Good understanding of workflow planning and resource coordination.

• Keen interest in customer experience measurement, data quality and insight generation.

• Commitment to process improvement and delivery efficiency.
Non-technical skills:

• Highly organised, methodical and able to prioritise effectively.

• Calm and focused under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Curious, proactive and eager to learn new approaches.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative team player.

• Positive, resilient and solutions-focused.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Naturally interested in turning data into stories and actionable insights.

• Adaptable and comfortable working across multiple teams and project types.

Job Classification

REQ Busi Radebe

Job Post End Date: 26 September 2025

Job Family

Marketing, Communication and Research

Career Stream

Market Research and Customer Insights

Leadership Pipeline

Manage Others

Job Purpose

To influence the understanding and thinking of customer and consumer behaviour through foresight and leadership; customer insight; market and customer analytics; governance; consulting and advisory to enable business to achieve its objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Comply with internal and external governance requirements; policies; procedures and standards to minimise risk to all stakeholders.
• Manage resources and deliverables through project management disciplines to meet business objectives.
• Meet client needs by developing proposals and presentations.
• Continuously improve processes to enhance the operations of the team.
• Identify; manage and partner with vendors to ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Develop the market and customer insights strategy and plan by understanding business strategy and client insights.
• Design; develop and implement research and insight projects by engaging and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Address business needs by proactively identifying opportunities to initiate strategic projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify research solutions to projects.
• Contribute to resolution of strategic issues by acting as the advisory / consultative function.
• Ensure transformational targets are met for own team through consideration of targets during the staff recruitment; retention and training process and utilizing suppliers listed on the preferred supplier list.
• Contribute to a culture conducive to the achievement of transformation goals by participating in Nedbank Culture building initiatives (e.g. staff surveys etc.).
• Address issues raised in culture surveys by participating in the development and implementation of action plans.
• Create a client service culture through various required interventions.
• Support and encourage staff to participate and support corporate responsibility initiative.
• Achieve operational excellence by supporting the implementation of business optimization improvement through team engagement

People Specification

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

• Advanced Diplomas/National 1st Degrees

Preferred Qualification

Bachelor of Commerce: Honours , Bachelor of Commerce: Honours - Business Management

Minimum Experience Level

5 - 7 years managing a research function and exposure to financial services

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Budgeting
• Change management
• Client service management
• Client service principles
• Communication Strategies
• Consumer behaviour
• Governance, Risk and Controls
• Organisational systems
• Principles of project management

Behavioural Competencies

• Communication
• Decision Making
• Innovation
• Business Acumen
• Guiding Team Success
• Continuous Improvement
• Planning and Organizing
• Delegation and Empowerment

-

Please contact the Nedbank Recruiting Team

Recruiter:
Open Source (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref:
JHB /KL

Date posted:
Friday, October 17, 2025

Location:
Port Elizabeth, South Africa

SUMMARY:
Senior Projects and Research Manager
Â
Location:
Port Elizabeth

Join a dynamic
Projects and Research
 team, delivering high-impact insights across industries, with a focus on the automotive sector.

POSITION INFO:
Requirements:

• BCom/BSc in Stats, Marketing, or Management
• 5+ years in a similar role
• Strong data analysis and Excel skills
• Experience with Agile, Power BI (advantageous)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills

Â
Apply now
or Contact
Kgomotso Mabe
 atÂ

Company Overview:
Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics and software development.

We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of geo-spatial and analytic projects to a range of property, business to consumer, government and financial services clients.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product or service we undertake to deliver.

Team Overview:
The Projects and Research team at Lightstone delivers high quality market research, customer experience measurement and bespoke project solutions. We manage complex, high value projects across multiple industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Our department includes skilled Project and Research Managers, a dedicated Quality Auditing team and a professional outbound research team.

We work in a fast paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, insight and delivery are key. Our focus is on translating data into meaningful stories that support decision making for our clients. The team thrives on curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong connection to Lightstone's values of participation, responsiveness and winning together.

Role Overview:
As Senior Projects and Research Manager, you will be at the forefront of fast moving, high impact research and project delivery. This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, challenge and pace. You will oversee multiple research projects from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and innovation at every stage.

You will lead a team of Project and Research Managers, providing guidance, direction and mentorship while driving collaboration across teams. Your work will require you to manage competing priorities, engage directly with both internal and external stakeholders, and deliver insights that shape decisions at a strategic level.

Your expertise in interpreting and analysing data will be central to the role. A passion for customer experience measurement and management will guide your work, ensuring that projects deliver meaningful value. You should be curious by nature, a researcher at heart in everything you do, and able to channel that curiosity into fresh thinking and impactful solutions.

This is not a passive position. It demands focus, resilience, dedication and the ability to keep projects moving at speed without compromising on quality.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• BCom/BSc Statistics/Marketing/Management degree or equivalent.
• Agile Project Management Certification advantagious.
• Valid drivers' license and own reliable transport advantageous.

Experience:

• 5 years' experience in a similar role.

Technical Skills:

• Strong ability to work with, analyse, interpret and report on data
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables and data modelling
• Confident using Microsoft Office Suite products
• Familiarity with BI reporting tools such as Power BI is an advantage
• Professional approach to report writing, documentation and all written communication
• Confident in presenting findings to stakeholders at all levels with clarity and credibility
• Strong capability in managing and monitoring all phases of a research project from scoping to delivery
• Practical application of Agile principles and ceremonies to drive effective delivery
• Ability to manage resources across multiple projects and prioritise effectively
• Experience in analysing customer interactions, identifying themes and extracting meaningful insights
• Deep interest in customer experience measurement and management, with an ability to link data to actionable outcomes
• Commitment to continuous improvement with a focus on making processes more efficient and accurate
• Understanding of data structures and an interest in Artificial Intelligence and natural language processing
• Proven experience leading and coaching project teams

Non-technical skills:

• Thrives under pressure and maintains composure in a fast paced, agile environment
• Passion for customer experience and an instinct to see the story behind the numbers
• Strong leadership skills with experience in guiding, developing and inspiring teams
• Works collaboratively but is confident taking ownership when needed
• Highly organised with the ability to accurately estimate work, prioritise tasks and deliver on time
• Naturally curious and driven to explore new ideas, methods and approaches
• Positive, resilient and solutions focused with the ability to overcome obstacles
• Detail orientated with a strong commitment to accuracy and research integrity
• Open minded and eager to learn, with a constant drive to refine and improve outputs
• Proactive in identifying opportunities that deliver real value to clients and stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a confident and credible presence
• Committed to staying informed of industry trends, new technologies and best practices in research methodologies

Employer Description

Our client is a manufacturer in the agrochemicals industry.

Job Description

• Assist management to execute
  agrichemical product
  registration and associated regulatory tasks.
• Keep abreast of international agrichemical regulatory developments.
• Compile and assess all agrichemical regulatory dossiers.
• Compile and assess all regulatory documents.
• Assist with export registration dossiers.
• Compile other regulatory documentation as required.
• Liaise with regulatory departments and industry bodies (RSA and abroad) and attend relevant meetings.
• Supervision and training of regulatory support staff and advisory function.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture
• BASOS and Croplife certificate
• Grade 12 (Matric)

Skills

• Atleast 5 years regulatory experience with
  agricultural chemicals
  (remedies and fertilisers).
• Knowledge and understanding of all relevant regulatory legislation regarding chemicals management, with specific reference to Act 36/1947.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of GHS.
• Ability to conduct GHS classification and associated documents.
• Good understanding of biological research.

Salary/Package

Market Related

Project Manager – Conferences

26,000–34,000 ZAR per month basic + bonus schemes

Global Insight Conferences (GIC) — a market-leading conference and exhibition company — is looking for an ambitious, hardworking and talented individual to join our growing team as a Project Manager / Conference Producer.

Who We Are

We don't just run business conferences; we set the standard. We produce high-quality, bespoke business conferences — live and virtual — in the UK and abroad. You'll join a passionate, friendly, driven team that invests in its people and rapidly develops them into market-leading professionals.

Who We're Looking For

You're already a strong, proactive conference producer with proven experience of researching, planning and delivering profitable events. We're committed to developing those who want to grow and become industry experts, so you'll have ample opportunity for career progression and management if you can bring:

• 2+ years' experience producing B2B events (conference experience is a big plus)
• Minimum grade B/6 in Maths & English Language at GCSE (or IB equivalent) plus a strong set of A Levels
• A pro-active, positive attitude with a passion for results and making things happen
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (email campaigns and phone work are essential)
• Ambition, drive and passion, plus a calm but urgent approach to deadlines
• Commercial curiosity and a self-directing, tenacious work ethic

What You'll Be Doing

As a Conference Producer you'll be responsible for creating high-quality, profitable conferences from scratch — researching, planning, writing and briefing other departments to deliver an outstanding experience for delegates, speakers and sponsors. You'll handle:

• In-depth sales & telephone research
• Programme and commercial copywriting
• Speaker acquisition from top brands
• Project lifecycle and task prioritisation
• Quality and commercial success indicators for each event
• Excel and data planning/management
• LinkedIn strategy and ROI
• External stakeholder management (speakers/sponsors)
• Internal collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Topic generation and innovation

This role suits highly organised, commercially minded, high-energy self-starters with exceptional organisational, research, grammar and creative writing skills.

What's In It For You

We don't just hire you — we invest in you. Benefits include:

• Competitive salaries & bonus schemes regularly reviewed
• Remote work flexibility
• Referral scheme: know someone great? We'll pay you £500 for your recommendation
• Charity & environmental initiatives: nominate causes close to your heart for our quarterly donations
• Equal, inclusive & diverse culture: over 80% of our leadership team is female, and we employ above the national average rates of people from ethnically diverse backgrounds

Ready to Apply?

Re-read the job specification. Do you have the credentials, passion and drive?

You do? THEN APPLY NOW

By applying for this role, you hereby freely give your prospective employer consent to use, process and store your personal data relating to your job application in accordance with prevailing legislation.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R26 000,00 - R34 000,00 per month

Experience:

• events production: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

The opportunity
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Project Manager Transformers to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for multiple projects for all projects stages. You will be leading the project team, establishing the project execution approach and oversee project hand-over, execution planning, monitoring and control activities for both internal and external resources to accomplish all project goals.

How You'll Make An Impact

• Driving the formal acceptance of the project, contract close-out and its acknowledgement by the customer.
• Acting as the key contact for the customer and an escalation point for project issues.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring the project follows and complies with company health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Defining all project plan documents, including scope and financial plans, schedule and risk management plans.
• Ensuring that the project follows execution best practices and Hitachi Energy policies.
• Monitoring and controlling project progress and efficient resource utilization, project financials, overseeing projects invoicing status, cost, expenses and cash flow.
• Identify, qualify, quantify and manage project risks.
• Ensuring that the project is formally closed out as contractually agreed.
• Coaching and providing feedback for project staff.
• Organizing customer acceptance of transformers and working on removing defects in customer complaints.
• Supervising shipment, transport of the transformer from the plant to the customer and installation at the transformer assembly site.
• You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Living Hitachi Energy's core values safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical/energy engineering.
• The PMP Certificate is an advantage.
• More than 5 – 10 years of experience in Project Management or Project Controlling in a transformer manufacturing industry.
• Experience with project management in the energy sector/Substations.
• Knowledge of MS Office and MS Project.
• Basic knowledge of SAP is beneficial.
• Ability to read technical drawings and documentations.
• Proactive, result-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal and teamwork skill as well as reliability and ability to work under pressure
• You are a real organizational talent, you have an analytical attitude, and you have good communication skills commercial insight and negotiation skills
• No objection to occasional travel abroad.
• Knowledge of various contracts (NEC3, FIDIC, etc)
• Proficiency in both spoken & written English is required.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future through innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system.

Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. We welcome you to apply today.

Location:

Modderfontein, Gauteng, South Africa

Job ID:

R

Date Posted:

Company Name:

HITACHI ENERGY SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

Profession (Job Category):

Project/Program Management

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Project Manager Transformers to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for multiple projects for all projects stages. You will be leading the project team, establishing the project execution approach and oversee project hand-over, execution planning, monitoring and control activities for both internal and external resources to accomplish all project goals.

How you'll make an impact

• Driving the formal acceptance of the project, contract close-out and its acknowledgement by the customer.
• Acting as the key contact for the customer and an escalation point for project issues.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring the project follows and complies with company health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Defining all project plan documents, including scope and financial plans, schedule and risk management plans.
• Ensuring that the project follows execution best practices and Hitachi Energy policies.
• Monitoring and controlling project progress and efficient resource utilization, project financials, overseeing projects invoicing status, cost, expenses and cash flow.
• Identify, qualify, quantify and manage project risks.
• Ensuring that the project is formally closed out as contractually agreed.
• Coaching and providing feedback for project staff.
• Organizing customer acceptance of transformers and working on removing defects in customer complaints.
• Supervising shipment, transport of the transformer from the plant to the customer and installation at the transformer assembly site.
• You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Living Hitachi Energy's core values safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical/energy engineering.
• The PMP Certificate is an advantage.
• More than 5 – 10 years of experience in Project Management or Project Controlling in a transformer manufacturing industry.
• Experience with project management in the energy sector/Substations.
• Knowledge of MS Office and MS Project.
• Basic knowledge of SAP is beneficial.
• Ability to read technical drawings and documentations.
• Proactive, result-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal and teamwork skill as well as reliability and ability to work under pressure
• You are a real organizational talent, you have an analytical attitude, and you have good communication skills commercial insight and negotiation skills
• No objection to occasional travel abroad.
• Knowledge of various contracts (NEC3, FIDIC, etc)
• Proficiency in both spoken & written English is required.

• Develop and maintain project budgets and forecasts in collaboration with project and finance managers.
• Monitor project costs, identify variances, and provide timely financial analysis.
• Prepare monthly project financial reports, including profit and loss statements and cash flow forecasts.
• Track project billing, revenue recognition, and cost allocations to ensure financial accuracy.
• Participate in project kick-off sessions to confirm SLAs, purchase orders, and other contractual elements are in place.
• Liaise with procurement and stock teams to ensure materials align with approved rate cards and project needs.
• Ensure timely payment of subcontractors based on project milestones.
• Review project ageing with the PMO Finance Manager to confirm accuracy and validity.
• Reconcile contractor accounts and manage project retentions.
• Support internal and external audits by providing project documentation.
• Advise project teams on financial risks, opportunities, and cost optimisation.
• Assist in developing financial models for new projects or proposals.
• Ensure full compliance with internal controls and financial regulations.

• BCom in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 35 years experience in project accounting, management accounting, or financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of project cost control, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Proficient in MS Excel and financial reporting systems.
• Experience working in a project-based or engineering/construction environment will be advantageous.