Cards Program Lead

Job Title: Cards Program Lead

Term: 12 months

Location: Riyadh, KSA

Division: Banking & Technology

Relevant experience: 15-20 years experience

Mandatory requirements: Hands on expertise in program management specifically related to card launches

The Program Lead will oversee the end-to-end launch and management of corporate and consumer card programs, working closely with cross-functional and leadership teams. This role is responsible for driving strategy, execution, and optimization of card products, ensuring alignment with client needs and company capabilities.

• Benchmark large-market corporate and consumer card programs.
• 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.

• 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.

• Identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle.
• Implement effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact.

• Ensure compliance with business and technical requirements.
• Oversee testing phases and validate program readiness.

• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders.
• Manage expectations and maintain clear communication between client and technical teams.

• Monitor project costs and resource allocation.
• Ensure the program remains within approved budget parameters.

• 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).

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or related field (Masters 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.