AVP-Islamic Products/Projects

• Lead the Islamic workstream of the Core Banking Transformation program, ensuring alignment with Shariah principles and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Technology, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Shariah Board) to define and implement transformation milestones.
• Ensure seamless migration of Islamic products and services to the new core platform.
• Drive change management and stakeholder engagement across business units.
• Product Management & Innovation
• Manage the lifecycle of existing Islamic products, identifying opportunities for enhancement and optimization.
• Lead the design, development, and launch of new Islamic banking products across Wholesale Banking segments.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and customer needs.
• Ensure all products are Shariah-compliant and approved by the internal Shariah Supervisory Board.
• Governance & Compliance
• Liaise with Shariah Board and internal Shariah Compliance teams to ensure product and system compliance.
• Maintain documentation and audit trails for product approvals and transformation decisions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely updates to product features and systems.
• Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for Islamic product-related transformation matters.
• Engage with senior leadership, project sponsors, and external vendors to ensure successful delivery.
• Provide regular updates and reports on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with Technology to make sure all developments and enhancements are at par with conventional

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships

• Guide system integration efforts, including data mapping, platform interface designs, and testing scenarios to ensure core banking systems work in tandem.
• Lead /Coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT), ensuring that all Islamic modules meet functional and operational requirements before and after migration.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive UAT strategy, ensuring thorough testing for accuracy, scalability, and security of the payment processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to assess complex problems, analyze options, navigate diverse perspectives & objectives
• Manage senior stakeholder expectations and provide regular updates on the program’s progress, risks, and issues.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and status updates with both internal stakeholders and external partners to drive the program forward

Problem Solving

• Identify and mitigate potential risks related to the core banking upgrade project and proactively resolve issues as they arise.
• Develop and manage a risk management plan, ensuring that contingency plans are in place to address any unexpected challenges during the program lifecycle
• Manage scope changes, ensuring that program objectives are achieved within the defined budget and timeline
• Oversee change management processes to ensure smooth adoption of the upgraded core banking system
• Develop and implement training programs for staff to ensure they are equipped to operate and manage the new system efficiently
• Ensure the new system's capabilities are fully understood and effectively utilized by banking personnel and end-users
• Lead the post-upgrade review and ensure continuous monitoring and optimization of the new core banking system
• Gather feedback from users and stakeholders to recommend future improvements and enhancements to the system and operations

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for the upgrade program, ensuring proper oversight, accountability, and transparency.
• Develop and deliver reports to senior management and stakeholders, detailing progress, key achievements, risks, and challenges.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of the upgrade program, including project plans, timelines, budgets, and technical specifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Islamic Banking, with at least 5 years in product management or transformation roles.
• Strong understanding of all Islamic finance structures (Murabaha, Ijara, Istisna, etc.).
• Proven experience in leading large-scale banking transformation projects.
• Familiarity with core banking systems and digital platforms. Oracle core banking knowledge is a plus.
• Experience in requirements management, Gap analysis and solutioning.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Certification in Islamic Finance (e.g., CIFE, AAOIFI) is a plus.