Professional Services Project Manager

UK1 Finastra International Limited

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Professional Services Project Manager

Apply locations London time type Full time posted on Posted 7 Days Ago job requisition id REQ1024_

Who are we?

At Finastra, we are a dynamic global provider of open finance software solutions, dedicated to expanding access to financial services. Our innovative applications span Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal Banking. Proudly serving over 8,000 customers, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks, we aim to boost financial inclusion for all. Join us and be part of a vibrant company that embraces diverse perspectives and is committed to doing well by doing good.

What will you contribute?

As a Professional Services Project Manager within our Universal Banking business unit, you will lead the successful delivery of complex banking transformation projects that leverage Finastra’s core banking solutions. You will manage the implementation lifecycle end-to-end for SaaS, cloud, and on-prem solutions, oversee customer engagements, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver to time, quality, and cost expectations. This role demands deep knowledge of core banking solutions, SaaS and cloud implementation processes, excellent program and project management skills, and the ability to align software implementations with customer business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Planning and Strategy:

• Define the scope, objectives, and success metrics for Finastra’s universal banking solutions implementations in collaboration with customer stakeholders.
• Align on scope of work with key customer stakeholders and Finastra stakeholders.
• Develop detailed program roadmaps, incorporating timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Align program deliverables with both customer goals and Finastra’s strategic product roadmap and release schedule.

Customer Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the implementation process, ensuring clear communication and continued alignment on program objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on the capabilities, features, and functionality of Finastra’s universal banking software and its application to customer-specific needs.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with customer executives and key project stakeholders.

Program Execution and Delivery:

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of Finastra’s universal banking solutions, including project scoping, requirements gathering, configuration, customer-specific development, testing, and deployment.
• Lead the project in line with Universal Banking’s implementation methodology and project governance standards.
• Collaborate and negotiate with customers where changes of scope are required, and coordinate and document change requests.
• Manage data migration from legacy systems, ensuring accuracy, security, and minimal disruption to operations.
• Oversee the integration of core banking modules, multi-product integrations, and third-party applications – ensuring seamless functionality and performance.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Coordinate and matrix manage cross-functional resources dedicated to in-scope projects, including product development and application operations as well as customer teams, third-party vendors, and Finastra partners/contractors.
• Provide leadership and clear direction to project team resources – ensuring adherence to Finastra’s implementation methodology and governance.
• Ensure accurate completion of timesheets for all project resources, and track resource utilization and cost.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture within the program team.

Vendor and Partner Management:

• Work with Finastra’s technology partners and third-party vendors to ensure timely delivery of system components and services.
• Oversee vendor contracts, performance, and deliverables to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Oversee partner performance on a day-to-day basis to ensure alignment to customer requirements and quality of deliverables.

Risk and Compliance Management:

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks and issues related to solution implementation, including technical, operational, integration, and regulatory challenges.
• Escalate key project risks to Universal Banking’s leadership team where project progress will impact on time, cost, quality outcomes, or adversely affect Finastra’s relationship or reputation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant banking regulations, data protection laws, and security standards.
• Support customers in navigating organizational change and business continuity planning.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Implement governance frameworks to monitor project progress, milestones, and performance against KPIs.
• Provide accurate project updates to Finastra, Universal Banking, and customer leadership teams on a regular basis – highlighting successes, risks and issues, and opportunities.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned, recommend future improvements, and celebrate successes.

Support Business Development:

• Collaborate with Finastra’s sales and pre-sales teams to provide estimates, develop proposals, and outline project plans for new and existing customer opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for additional Finastra solutions or services within ongoing customer engagements that contribute to additional software or services revenue.
• Contribute to Finastra’s knowledge base, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to system implementation.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) or certifications (e.g., PMP, PgMP, ITIL, or Prince2) are a plus.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in IT program management, with at least 5 years managing core banking solution implementations.
• Strong knowledge of core banking platforms (e.g., Temenos, Oracle, Finacle, or equivalent).
• Experience working with banking and financial services in diverse markets.

Technical Knowledge:

• Familiarity with APIs, middleware, SaaS and cloud-based deployments, and digital banking solutions.
• Knowledge of banking operations, including retail, corporate, payments, and lending.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.

Work Environment:

• Full-time role with hybrid work, and some travel depending on customer and project needs.
• Collaboration across global teams, requiring occasional travel to customer sites or Finastra offices.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:

Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

Well-being: Access confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, unlimited personalized coaching via our coaching app, and access to our Gather Groups for emotional and mental support.

Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits

ESG: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.

DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In,

Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.

Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!