Program Director - Core Banking

Alexander Ash are seeking a senior Program Director Core Banking to lead the strategic evolution and large-scale transformation of a Tier-1 bank's core banking ecosystem, centred on Temenos T24 and tightly integrated with digital, CRM, lending, and product platforms.

This is an enterprise-level leadership role, accountable for multi-year, high-risk transformation programmes in a live core banking environment, with zero tolerance for operational disruption. You will operate at ExCo level, owning outcomes that materially impact growth, regulatory standing, risk posture, and customer experience across Retail, Corporate and Islamic Banking.

Key responsibilities

• Own front-to-back delivery of the core banking transformation portfolio
• Define and execute a future-ready core banking roadmap aligned to growth and digital strategy
• Lead complex, multi-vendor and cross-domain programmes (payments, lending, digital, finance, risk)
• Provide delivery assurance to senior risk, audit and regulatory stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, Sharia and audit requirements
• Secure funding, manage large investment portfolios, and track value realisation (ROI / NPV)
• Establish strong governance across internal teams and strategic partners

What we're looking for

• 12+ years in senior programme leadership within banking
• Deep hands-on experience with Temenos T24 and enterprise core banking transformations
• Proven delivery in highly regulated, audit-intensive environments
• Experience across Retail, Corporate and Islamic Banking
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence at Board and ExCo level
• Managed large-scale budgets
• SAFe / PRINCE2 / PMP certified (mandatory); MBA preferred

This role suits a transformation leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, regulation, technology and execution, and who can lead change at scale in one of the bank's most critical domains.

This is a contract role with a leading bank in Abu Dhabi. If interested, please reach out to [Confidential Information].