Principal Platforms Manager

About the Role
The role is responsible for planning and driving end-to-end management of large programs or multiple projects concurrently, ensuring the coordination of project interdependencies. This position oversees multiple inter-dependent programs that may span several years and impact one or more functions or larger projects. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of the assigned programs throughout their lifecycles, ensuring completion within defined scope, quality, time, and cost constraints. The role requires strategic and appropriate allocation of resources while leading multi-disciplinary teams composed of various levels of people, vendors, and clients to create and deploy successful programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Requirements Gathering and Documentation:

  • Collaborate with business stakeholders to gather and define requirements for third-party platform delivery.
  • Document, prioritize, and align requirements with business objectives.
  • Translate business needs into technical specifications and work with technical teams for clarity and feasibility.

• Vendor Evaluation and Selection:

  • Participate in the evaluation and selection of third-party vendors and service providers.
  • Assess vendor capabilities, offerings, and track records to identify the best fit for the organization's needs.
  • Conduct due diligence on financial stability, compliance history, and references for reliable partnerships.

• Project Planning and Management:

  • Develop comprehensive project plans for third-party platform delivery, including timelines, resource requirements, and deliverables.
  • Establish clear objectives and milestones to track progress throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitor project progress, manage risks, and implement mitigation strategies for on-time and within-budget delivery.

• Integration and Implementation:

  • Oversee the integration and implementation of third-party platforms into existing systems and infrastructure.
  • Coordinate with internal teams and vendors to ensure smooth deployment and minimal operational disruption.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues arising during integration and implementation phases.

• End-User Training and Support:

  • Coordinate training sessions and provide support to end-users for the adoption of new third-party platforms.
  • Ensure users are trained to leverage platform features effectively.
  • Develop user guides, FAQs, and other support materials to assist end-users.

• Regulatory Compliance and Security:

  • Ensure third-party platforms comply with relevant regulatory requirements and security standards.
  • Implement measures to protect sensitive data and mitigate security risks.
  • Conduct regular security audits and compliance checks for ongoing adherence to standards.

• Process Improvement and Optimization:

  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization in third-party platform delivery.
  • Solicit feedback from stakeholders and users to drive enhancements and maximize platform value.
  • Implement best practices and innovative solutions to improve delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Communication and Reporting:

  • Maintain regular communication with business stakeholders, providing updates on project status, risks, and issues.
  • Prepare and present project reports with key metrics, progress, and outcomes to senior management.
  • Foster strong relationships with stakeholders for alignment and support on platform initiatives.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by line management related to the nature of the work.
  • Enforce and comply with all necessary controls and related information security policies, procedures, practices, training, reporting, and personal due diligence within departmental/unit activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Tertiary level qualification from an internationally/regionally recognized institution.
• Recognized project management certification preferred (e.g., PMP, PRINCE, Agile/Scrum certifications).

Years & Nature of Experience

• 8+ years of equivalent experience, with at least 1 year as a program manager managing multiple work streams successfully; at least 3 years as a project manager with end-to-end experience.
• Serves as subject matter expert for a capability area or key process, typically leading design work in their area.
• Experience delivering banking technical solutions as a manager of multiple projects or workstreams.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge in end-to-end program management, utilizes current methodologies and tools, and employs strategies for alignment of different projects; involved or led program risk management, managed budgets, and performed performance review processes.
• Domain knowledge and industry experience in retail and commercial banking.
• Strong understanding of third-party platforms in the KSA, financial systems, and integration processes.

Technical Competencies

• Program Management
• Program Management / Collaboration Tools
• Complex Stakeholder Management
• Program Quality Assurance

Behavioral Competencies

• Collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills
• People Development
• Stakeholder Influence / Management