Program Manager

Job description

Who are we? At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries. Disclaimer: Finastra has signed an agreement to sell its Universal Banking business to Pollen Street Capital, with completion expected end 2026 / early 2027, subject to consultation and customary closing conditions. Upon completion, this role is expected to transition to the standalone Universal Banking business, creating opportunities to support its future growth and success. Program Manager 1) What Will You Contribute? As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for driving the successful delivery of strategic programs that align with organizational goals and business priorities. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, coordinate multiple interrelated projects, and ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. By providing governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and performance oversight, you will play a critical role in achieving business outcomes, enhancing customer satisfaction, and enabling continuous improvement across the organization. 2) Responsibilities & Deliverables Program Leadership & Strategy Lead the planning, execution, and governance of complex programs comprising multiple interdependent projects. Develop and implement program strategies aligned with organizational objectives and long-term business goals. Identify opportunities to expand, enhance, and optimize program offerings and outcomes. Create and maintain program roadmaps, objectives, milestones, and success criteria. Program Planning & Execution Develop comprehensive program plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation strategies. Coordinate activities across multiple project teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery. Manage program scope, dependencies, priorities, and change requests. Ensure program deliverables meet agreed quality, customer satisfaction, and operational standards. Stakeholder Management Build strong relationships with executive leadership, customers, partners, and key stakeholders. Facilitate effective communication and transparency regarding program status, risks, decisions, and outcomes. Present program updates, recommendations, and performance metrics to senior leadership and governance forums. Collaborate with business, technology, operations, marketing, HR, and external partners to achieve program objectives. Risk, Governance & Compliance Establish program governance frameworks and reporting mechanisms. Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks through proactive risk management and contingency planning. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, regulations, and best practices. Conduct program reviews, audits, and health assessments to maintain delivery excellence. Financial & Resource Management Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets and financial plans. Track expenditures, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions where necessary. Partner with HR and functional leaders to ensure effective resource planning and capacity management. Optimize resource utilization to maximize business value and program efficiency. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement Define and track program KPIs, success metrics, and performance indicators. Develop evaluation methodologies to measure program effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities. Gather stakeholder and customer feedback to improve program outcomes and delivery practices. Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. People Leadership Lead and influence cross-functional teams consisting of diverse skills and expertise. Coach, mentor, and support project managers and team members. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning. Support talent development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives. Deliverables Program Charter and Governance Framework Program Roadmaps and Delivery Plans Executive Status Reports and Dashboards Budget and Financial Performance Reports Risk Registers and Mitigation Plans Resource and Capacity Plans Program Performance Reviews and Health Assessments Stakeholder Communication Plans Continuous Improvement Recommendations Required Experience : Educational Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline. Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred. Professional Experience : 6+Years 6+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, PMO, or related leadership roles. Proven experience leading large, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders. Demonstrated success managing budgets, timelines, risks, and resources across complex initiatives. Experience driving strategic planning, operational execution, and organizational change initiatives. Experience presenting to executive leadership and managing senior stakeholder relationships. Prior experience managing teams and leading through influence in a matrix organization. Required Skills Program and Portfolio Management Strategic Planning and Execution Stakeholder Management and Executive Communication Risk and Dependency Management Budgeting and Financial Planning Resource and Capacity Management Governance, Compliance, and Quality Management Change Management and Organizational Transformation Data Analysis, Reporting, and Performance Management Process Improvement and Continuous Improvement Practices Strong Leadership, Negotiation, and Problem-Solving Skills Preferred Qualifications PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), or equivalent certification. Experience with Agile, Scrum, SAFe, and Hybrid delivery methodologies. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Project, Power BI, Jira, Azure DevOps, or equivalent delivery management tools. Experience in technology, software product development, engineering, or enterprise transformation environments. Key Competencies Strategic Thinking Business Acumen Customer Focus Decision Making Collaboration and Influencing Leadership and Team Development Analytical Thinking Financial Management Adaptability and Change Leadership Results Orientation Success in this role is measured by the ability to deliver strategic business outcomes, achieve program objectives, effectively manage risks and stakeholders, optimize resources, and drive continuous improvement across the program portfolio. We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we stand for: Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave. Well‑being: Access confidential one‑to‑one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work. Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.* Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‑matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you. Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate an