Engagement details:
- Job Title: Cards Program Lead
- Client: Global Cards & Payments Firm
- End-client: Leading Bank
- Employment type: Initial 12-month contract with strong potential for extension
- Location: Onsite in Riyadh, KSA
- Experience level: 15-20 years
Role Overview:
Our client, a global leader in the Cards & Payments industry, is engaged with a leading bank in Riyadh and is seeking to onboard a Cards Program Lead who will oversee the end-to-end launch and management of Credit Cards, Prepaid Cards and Debit Card products, working closely with cross-functional and leadership teams.
This leadership role involves defining and executing product strategies, driving portfolio performance, and ensuring seamless alignment between client objectives and the organization's capabilities.
Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
1) Program P&L Ownership
- End to end launch and management of a suite of card products (Credit, Debit and Prepaid) and the complete ownership of the P&L for each product and the combined program.
- Devising and executing the strategy for the complete program
- Identify key customer needs (travel spend management, expense reconciliation, card features and benefits).
- Develop business strategy with revenue projections and cost-benefit analysis.
- Perform strategy calibration as per business requirements.
- Align product strategy with company's network and offerings.
2) Planning & Coordination
- Provide oversight of program delivery against the project plan.
- Coordinate tasks across internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Align deliverables with business objectives and timelines.
- Design end-to-end processes for onboarding, servicing, and dispute resolution.
- Establish governance structures for clear accountability.
- Set escalation procedures for customized corporate solutions.
3) Risk Management
- Identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle.
- Implement effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact
4) Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with business and technical requirements.
- Oversee testing phases and validate program readiness.
5) Communication
- Provide regular status updates to stakeholders.
- Manage expectations and maintain clear communication between client and technical teams.
6) Budget & Resource Management
- Monitor project costs and resource allocation.
- Ensure the program remains within approved budget parameters.
7) Post-Launch Support
- Oversee program deployment and ensure smooth go live.
- Address post-launch issues promptly and effectively.
- Monitor performance metrics (adoption, transaction volume, credit performance).
- Identify opportunities for product expansion and enhancements (e.g., CVP revamp, new products)
Knowledge and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, or related field (Master's preferred).
- Proven experience in program or project management within financial services or payment solutions.
- Strong understanding of commercial and consumer card programs and associated technologies.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
- PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a plus.
- Experience working with payment schemes.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proven stakeholder management from technical and non-technical areas as well as senior management.
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
