Program Manager at First Bank

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define program/project scope, goals and deliverables of assigned strategic initiatives of FirstBank in collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Lead and deliver large, complex internal & external engagements that identify, design, and implement creative business and technology solutions for the Bank.
• Clearly define quantifiable program benefits, and ensure a benefits realization plan for the program.
• Estimate the resources (human, financial and technical) needed to achieve project goals.
• Prepare budget proposals, obtain approvals and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary.
• Effectively and efficiently manage resources tied to the various projects.
• Ensure that required approvals are obtained and that adequate documentation is maintained for all program/project expenditures.
• Develop a holistic Business Readiness and Change Management plan to disseminate information to all stakeholders and the public throughout the program/project life cycle.
• Effectively communicate project expectations to all stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion
• Manage multiple work streams on assigned projects to deliver expected quality within milestones and on budget, including the achievement of the benefits realization plan.
• Supervise the activities of the Team Leads, Senior Associates, and Associates or other project team members and enabler teams working on assigned projects.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crisis/risks, and devise contingency plans to provide solutions and take corrective action.
• Conduct project post mortems reviews and make recommendations (Report) to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
• Drive insight-infused discussions to enable Project sponsors to best develop and execute against their overall strategy.
• Apply an in-depth knowledge of organizational structures, operating models and processes to analyze, assess and improve Project sponsor’s business and project requirements.
• Identify and solve problems objectively using analysis, experience and judgment.
• Identify and transform opportunities into solutions that drive business value for our internal FirstBank clients.
• Develop presentations, reports and provide briefings on projects to Management.
• Leverage cross-geography insights and practitioners to enhance internal FirstBank internal client service delivery.
• Incorporate financial information when evaluating business opportunities and making recommendations.
• Participate in the development and presentation of proposals for business development activities.
• Develop relationships, establish credibility with and instill confidence in internal clients.
• Articulate how technology enables and differentiates the business and communicate this effectively to Project sponsors and other internal customers.

QUALITIES

• Ability to identify program/project complexities and reflect same in the work plan.
• Ability to make objective and well-informed decisions; and also to perceive the impact and implication of such decisions.
• A very strong sense of ownership with every assigned task.
• Strong track-record in effectively developing market credibility in a timely manner.
• Strong people management and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to motivate and lead a team with enthusiasm, drive and effectiveness.
• Proven ability to deliver on multiple tasks within tight timelines in a client-driven environment.
• Excellent persuasive and negotiation skills.
• Ability to show flexibility - open to change and adapt behavior or work methods in response to new information or unexpected obstacles.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple work streams of the implementation program/project.
• Ability to identify and resolve conflicts within the project team.
• Ability to implement best practices and tools for program/project execution and management.
• Deep industry knowledge and good understanding of underlying operational issues.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education 

• Minimum of Bachelors degree, with a minimum grade of 2.2.
• Project Management certification will be an added advantage.

Experience 

• Minimum of ten years relevant working experience, covering a range of functional areas.
• Experience with managing transformation, change management or other strategic projects.
• Experience with Program Management or Project Management Office desirable.
• Supervisory experience.