Program Manager - Payments & Cards (Banking Domain)

Role Overview

We are looking for a Program Manager to lead complex, large-scale initiatives within the payments domain, with a strong focus on cards platforms. This role demands ownership of end-to-end delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment between business, technology, and external vendors.

You will be responsible for driving execution across issuing, acquiring, and digital payment initiatives while maintaining strict governance, timelines, and delivery quality in a banking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of payments and cards-related programmes across issuing, acquiring, tokenisation, wallets, and integrations
• Define programme roadmap, execution strategy, and delivery plans aligned with business objectives
• Manage multiple projects/workstreams simultaneously, ensuring delivery within scope, timeline, and budget
• Drive stakeholder alignment across business, IT, operations, channels, and third-party vendors
• Establish strong governance, reporting structures, and risk management frameworks
• Track programme progress, identify risks/dependencies, and proactively resolve issues
• Ensure compliance with banking regulations, security standards, and internal policies
• Support agile delivery methodologies and ensure coordination across cross-functional teams
• Drive clear and structured communication with senior leadership and stakeholders

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in programme/project management within banking or financial services
• Strong hands-on experience in cards and payments domain (issuing, acquiring, tokenisation, wallets)
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex banking/payment programmes
• Experience working with payment platforms, switches, and integrations (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, APIs)
• Strong stakeholder management and vendor coordination experience
• Solid understanding of SDLC, Agile, and hybrid delivery models
• Experience in risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance within banking
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with leading banks or financial institutions in the UAE or GCC
• PMP, Prince2, or Agile certifications
• Exposure to digital payments, fintech integrations, or modern payment ecosystems

What Success Looks Like

• Programmes delivered on time, within budget, and with zero major escalations
• Strong alignment between business and technology teams
• Clear visibility and control over risks, dependencies, and delivery milestones
• Measurable impact on payment platform performance, scalability, or customer experience