Program Manager, Retail Banking Transformation

Program Manager, Retail Banking TransformationOverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Program Manager to lead our most complex, high-impact initiatives within the Retail Banking division. This role is crucial for executing our digital transformation roadmap, encompassing everything from core system modernization (e.g., CASA, Loans) to the deployment of new customer-facing digital products.The ideal candidate possesses sharp program management rigor (governance, budget control, risk management) combined with an expert understanding of the Retail Banking P&L, products, and customer journey. Success in this role is defined by the on-time delivery of strategic business outcomes, not just project deliverables.Key Responsibilities1. Program Strategy & GovernanceDefine and Execute Program Roadmap: Own the end-to-end program strategy for a portfolio of retail banking projects (e.g., mobile banking revamp, new lending product launch). Ensure all projects align with the overarching business objectives.Budget & Financial Control: Manage the program budget (often multi-million dollar), including forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting on financial health to executive sponsors.Risk & Dependency Management: Proactively identify, track, and mitigate complex, cross-functional risks and critical dependencies spanning technology, business operations, and external vendors.Executive Reporting: Prepare and present regular, high-quality program updates to C-level executives and Steering Committees, focusing on outcomes, critical decisions required, and resource constraints.2. Retail Banking Domain LeadershipBusiness Translation: Serve as the critical bridge between technology teams and retail business stakeholders (Product Owners, Channel Heads). Ensure technical solutions directly address business pain points and generate measurable value (e.g., lower cost-to-serve, higher loan conversion rates).Deep Product Knowledge: Demonstrate expertise across the retail banking product lifecycle, including deposits (CASA), unsecured and secured lending, card services, and digital channels (Web/Mobile).Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure all program activities and deployed solutions adhere to relevant financial regulations (e.g., KYC, AML, Consumer Protection).3. Execution & Team LeadershipCross-Functional Coordination: Lead and mobilize matrixed teams including IT, Operations, Legal, Marketing, and third-party vendors, ensuring unified focus and accountability.Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in program delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid), standardizing best practices across the retail banking portfolio.Stakeholder Management: Secure buy-in, manage expectations, and facilitate conflict resolution among diverse and often competing stakeholder groups.Required QualificationsExperience: Minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in Program or Portfolio Management, with at least 5 years specifically managing large-scale transformation programs within Retail Banking or Financial Services.Domain Expertise: Mandatory deep functional knowledge of retail banking products and operational processes (e.g., core banking modernization, digital origination platforms).Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of modern software development life cycles (SDLC), APIs, cloud technologies, and data governance, sufficient to challenge technical estimates and architectural decisions.Certifications: PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent program management certification is highly desirable.Competencies for SuccessStrategic Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture" and anticipate future business needs or market shifts.Communication Mastery: Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely, tailoring the message for technical teams, business users, and executive leadership.Results Orientation: Proven track record of successfully delivering major programs that result in quantifiable business value (e.g., margin increase, cost reduction, customer satisfaction lift).