The Project Manager will play a client-facing role, responsible for managing and delivering core banking transformation projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Execution

• Lead the implementation of core banking and payment system initiatives, including real-time payments, card processing, and SWIFT transactions.
• Develop detailed project plans, define scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Work cross-functionally with business stakeholders, IT, compliance, and third-party vendors.
• Monitor project progress, resolve roadblocks, and ensure on-time delivery within scope and budget.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Act as a liaison between business units, technology teams, and external payment vendors (Visa, Mastercard, SWIFT, ACH, etc.).
• Engage with regulators and auditors to ensure compliance with financial industry standards.
• Ensure alignment with internal policies, industry best practices, and risk management frameworks.

Risk & Compliance Oversight

• Identify and mitigate project risks related to fraud prevention, cybersecurity, regulatory requirements (e.g., PSD2, ISO 20022, AML, PCI-DSS).
• Work closely with legal and compliance teams to adhere to evolving financial regulations.

Process Optimization & Reporting

• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and customer experience in payments processing.
• Prepare and present status reports, KPIs, and post-implementation reviews for senior management.
• Implement Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies based on project needs.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, IT, or related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience in banking, payments, or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of core payment systems (ACH, RTP, SWIFT, SEPA, FedNow, Wire Transfers, etc.).
• Experience with payment gateways, digital wallets, and card networks.
• Familiarity with financial regulations (PSD2, PCI-DSS, AML, ISO 20022, NACHA).
• Proficiency in project management tools (JIRA, MS Project, Trello, etc.).
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum certifications preferred.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Implementation of banking transformation projects (core banking migration, digital payments, open banking, etc.).
• Knowledge of FinTech integrations, API-based banking, or blockchain payments.
• Hands-on experience in banking software (Temenos, FIS, ACI, etc.).