Program Manager - Banking

We are currently looking for Program Manager for our UAE operations with the following Skill set and terms & conditions.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of banking systems and channels.
• Ability to manage multi-vendor and cross functional delivery environments.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and governance skills.
• Adept at balancing compliance requirements with customer experience considerations.
• Strong digital and retail banking background in UAE.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Translate CBUAE circular requirements into a structured, time-bound implementation roadmap across digital channels, IT systems, operations and risk functions.
• Establish program governance, steering committee, and reporting cadence to senior management and CBUAE as required.
• Plan, organize, and manage projects to ensure timely delivery within scope and budget.
• Define and track KPIs throughout the program lifecycle to measure success and compliance.

Governance & Risk Management

• Strengthen governance frameworks and reduce operational risks by applying lessons learned from past and ongoing initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks, control effectiveness and audit readiness.
• Maintain central documentation: risk register, decision logs, agreements on deviations, compliance sign offs.

Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and business units to gather and document requirements.
• Manage vendor performance, ensuring service levels and development quality meet expectations.
• Ensure change management approach to drive awareness for internal teams and customer facing communication is in place.

Compliance & Technical Oversight

• Ensure digital journeys (eCommerce, tokenization, card services, etc.) align with regulatory requirements.
• Review technical proposals and recommend improvements to enhance compliance and security.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor and resolve incidents and problems.
• Support go-live and post-go-live activities, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on emerging technologies and regulatory changes.
• Propose enhancements to digital products and processes to strengthen fraud prevention and authentication.

Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular updates to business stakeholders on project status, risks, and achievements.
• Facilitate UAT and ensure adherence to quality control standards.

Joining time frame: 2 weeks (maximum 1 month)