Ms Office
Eliphas Sako
Project Manager
Pretoria
Summary
Results-driven and strategically focused professional with over 20 years of experience in project management, strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, governance support, and operational performance management across public, private, and higher education sectors. Demonstrated expertise in coordinating complex programmes, facilitating strategic planning processes, monitoring organisational performance, compiling executive and operational reports, and supporting institutional governance and accountability frameworks. Possesses strong analytical, administrative, and stakeholder management capabilities, with proven experience working with government entities, educational institutions, and executive leadership structures. Skilled in performance monitoring and evaluation, reporting processes, strategic alignment, policy implementation support, and coordinating review and planning sessions. Recognised for the ability to manage cross-functional engagements, provide secretariat and governance support, and ensure alignment between strategic objectives, operational plans, and organisational priorities. Adept at preparing high-level reports, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, and driving operational efficiency within highly regulated and performance-oriented environments. A proactive and adaptable leader committed to both Private and public sector excellence, organisational performance improvement, and effective service delivery.
Overview
1
1
Language
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Circle Technologies Solutions (Pty)Ltd
04.2021 - Current
- Managing and coordinating the activities of project team members and other service providing contractors/companies.
- Provide planning, guidance, and support towards delivery on all the business categories Information Technology, Technical & Professional services, Quarry and mining and Petroleum services.
- Providing specialist knowledge and guidance to all levels of management.
- Engaging with departmental heads developing and maintaining an accurate 5-year Stay-in-Business (SIB) Capital project forecast.
- Supplying project time and cost assessments.
- Establishing and manage processes for the provision of project services.
- Supervising and guiding member teams.
- Identifying risks to the Project Portfolio and implement appropriate risk mitigation controls.
- Overseeing the working cost budget of the Project section.
- Analysing project delivery trends and implement actions.
- Provide and present reports for decision inputs to Exco.
Project Manager
Department Of Higher Education And Training
12.2014 - 03.2021
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to drive project initiatives and maintain alignment with organizational goals.
- Enhanced project efficiency by implementing strategic planning and resource allocation techniques.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, minimizing legal risks and protecting company reputation.
- Optimized resource allocation by continually assessing team capacities and skill sets, ensuring proper personnel assignment to relevant tasks.
- Developed comprehensive project schedules to ensure timely completion of milestones and deliverables.
- Managed budgetary constraints, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining project quality standards.
- Led process improvement initiatives, streamlining workflows for increased efficiency and productivity in the team''s operations.
- Streamlined communication channels for improved team collaboration and project progression.
- Oversaw contract negotiations with vendors, securing favorable terms for the organization and project success.
- Managed change requests effectively, balancing scope modifications with timeline adjustments to maintain overall project integrity.
- Nurtured strong relationships with internal stakeholders through effective conflict resolution tactics that supported continued partnership throughout the duration of projects.
- Evaluated vendor proposals, selecting high-quality partners based on technical expertise and value-added service offerings.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer sessions between departments, promoting cross-functional collaboration on critical projects.
- Conducted risk assessments, proactively identifying potential obstacles and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Spearheaded project closeout procedures, capturing valuable lessons learned and implementing vital process improvements for future endeavors.
- Maintained detailed documentation of project activities, ensuring accurate record-keeping for future reference or audits purposes.
- Established performance metrics to track progress against objectives, adjusting plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Mentored junior team members, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the department.
- Oversaw service level agreement worth of a budget over R1 billion simultaneously without sacrificing standards.
- Traveled to other company locations for temporary assignments, meetings or training.
Assistant Director
Department Of Higher Education And Training
06.2007 - 11.2014
- Boosted staff morale and performance through implementation of comprehensive training and professional development program.
- Performance Management of staff in the Sub-directorate.
- Managed the processing of payment transactions for the National Skills Fund
- Coordinated internal & external audit functions for the National Skills Fund.
- Assisted with management of the Budget Cycle and reporting for the National Skills Fund.
- Monitored and reported the Fiscal allocation for the National Skills Fund.
- Monitored and controled Registry Section for the National Skills Fund.
- Coordinated Human Resource functions for the National Skills Fund.
- Managed Procurement and Administration for the National Skills Fund.
- Assisted with implementation processes of National Skills Fund projects as advised by the National Skills Development Strategy.
Administration Clerk
Department of Employment and Labour
10.2001 - 05.2007
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners to facilitate effective collaboration on shared goals.
- Reduced errors in data entry tasks through diligent attention to detail and thorough verification procedures.
- Improved financial accuracy by diligently reviewing and reconciling daily transactions.
- Ensured timely processing of invoices for accurate financial reporting.
- Maintained organized filing system for easy access to important financial documents.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, ensuring all transactions were recorded accurately and on time.
- Supported budget preparation and management for special projects.
- Documented financial data, files and records for contracted vendors.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets, gathering relevant information from department heads as needed.
- Contracts with service providers compiled & signed according to the availability of funds & the Work Plan of the Labour Market Policy Programme.
- Equipment & furniture (>R5, 000) procured according to the availability of funds, & the Work Plan of the LMP Programme, through the use of the Sub-Tender Committee & iQual System
- Organise social activities and official meetings that take place in LMP, e.g. workshops and team building. Events Co-ordination, e.g. African Union Conference and Ministerial Roundtable
Logistics Officer
Archneer Stationers (Pty)Ltd
08.1999 - 10.2001
- Developed logistical checklists to guide activities support.
- Managed functional areas of logistics.
- Reduced transportation costs with effective route planning and carrier negotiations for streamlined delivery operations.
- Improved shipment tracking capabilities by implementing real-time visibility tools for accurate status updates from origin to destination.
- Provided procurement of goods, provision of transportation services, tracking of movement and change to support safe and secure operations.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers and carriers, fostering collaboration for improved service levels and cost reductions.
- Managed procurement processes, ensuring timely acquisition of materials and resources while maintaining cost-effective purchasing strategies.
- Collaborated closely with sales teams to align logistic strategies with customer requirements, ensuring optimal service levels and positive client experiences.
- Managed logistics assets for timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Advance Management Development Programme
University of Pretoria
Pretoria04-2013
Graduate Certificate - Practical Project Management
Unisa (Graduate School of Business Leadership
Midrand12-2006
National Diploma - Packaging Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa12-1999
Skills
Meeting facilitation
Budgeting expertise
Scheduling proficiency
Agreement negotiation
Project scope
Scope development
Customer Service
Problem-solving abilities
Critical Thinking
Team building
Technical understanding
Project Planning
Accomplishments
- Achieved programme targets through effectively helping with completion of projects.
- Supervised team of over 10 staff members.
- Collaborated with team from other entities in the development and execution of critical projects (e.g infrastructure).
Software
SAP
Accounting softwares
MacOS
Timeline
Project Manager
Circle Technologies Solutions (Pty)Ltd
04.2021 - Current
Project Manager
Department Of Higher Education And Training
12.2014 - 03.2021
Assistant Director
Department Of Higher Education And Training
06.2007 - 11.2014
Administration Clerk
Department of Employment and Labour
10.2001 - 05.2007
Logistics Officer
Archneer Stationers (Pty)Ltd
08.1999 - 10.2001
Graduate Certificate - Advance Management Development Programme
University of Pretoria
Graduate Certificate - Practical Project Management
Unisa (Graduate School of Business Leadership
National Diploma - Packaging Management
University of Johannesburg