Senior Project Manager – Banking Integration & Microservices (Vendor Side)
Job Summary
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager to join our software consulting division, operating directly on-site at our premium banking client. In this role, you will represent our company while leading complex integration and backend development projects. You will drive the end-to-end Waterfall delivery of middleware solutions using the IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) stack and Java-based microservices. This position requires exceptional client-facing leadership to orchestrate delivery across a hybrid onshore/offshore model, managing project baselines, supporting non-functional testing teams, and handling production defect fixes.
Key Responsibilities
Client Relationship & Vendor Governance
- Act as the primary interface between our software company's delivery teams and the bank's internal IT and business stakeholders.
- Manage client expectations regarding timelines, deliverables, scope changes, and resource utilization.
- Navigate the bank's internal governance, securing phase-gate sign-offs within a strict Waterfall framework
Technical Project Delivery (CP4I & Java)
- Drive delivery of integration solutions leveraging the IBM CP4I stack (MQ, App Connect Enterprise, API Connect).
- Oversee backend development of scalable, secure banking microservices utilizing Java frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot).
- Orchestrate tasks and maximize productivity across a hybrid team structure, combining on-site/onshore consultants and offshore delivery centers.
- Maintain detailed project schedules, critical path baselines, and audit-ready project documentation
Testing Support & Defect Management
- Direct functional testing phases, including System Integration Testing (SIT) and client-led User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
- Support Non-Functional Testing (NFT) by coordinating environment readiness and dedicating development resources to fix performance, load, or security issues found by the bank's independent testing teams.
- Own production defect fixes within the project scope, ensuring quick triage, resolution, and deployment under the bank's strict change management processes.
Risk & Compliance
- Proactively identify technical risks or blockers related to legacy core banking connectivity and API integration.
- Ensure code and integration flows comply with the bank's internal information security policies and external central bank regulations.
Requirements & Qualifications
Experience & Methodology
- 10+ years of IT project management experience, with 7+ years working for a software development vendor/consulting firm deployed at a banking client.
- Expertise in Waterfall project management, with a proven track record of managing strict timelines, scopes, and budget constraints.
- Demonstrated experience managing hybrid models, effectively coordinating onshore client-facing teams and offshore development units.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Hands-on experience managing projects utilizing IBM CP4I components (ACE, MQ, API Connect).
- Strong understanding of Java backend ecosystems, microservices architecture, and containerized deployment (e.g., Red Hat OpenShift).
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills to navigate vendor-client dynamics.
- Proficiency with enterprise tools such as MS Project, Jira, and Confluence.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is required.
