A large national consumer bank is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead complex, enterprise-wide initiatives that drive business transformation, operational excellence, and strategic delivery across the organization.
This role is ideal for a highly strategic and execution-focused leader who thrives in dynamic environments, can navigate ambiguity, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes across large-scale cross-functional programs. The Principal Project Manager will partner closely with technology, operations, compliance, and business teams to ensure successful execution of high-impact initiatives aligned with enterprise priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Enterprise Project Leadership
- Lead end-to-end project management for large-scale, enterprise-wide transformation and strategic initiatives
- Drive execution from project initiation through implementation, stabilization, and closure
- Ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, within budget, and aligned with business objectives
Project Planning & Governance
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans including:
- Scope management
- Timelines and milestones
- Budget oversight
- Resource allocation
- Risk and dependency management strategies
- Establish and manage governance frameworks, executive reporting structures, and stakeholder communication plans
- Monitor project performance and proactively adjust execution strategies to support successful delivery outcomes
Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to define project objectives, success metrics, and deliverables
- Drive alignment across Technology, Operations, Compliance, Product, and Business organizations
- Facilitate executive decision-making, conflict resolution, and issue escalation management across matrixed teams
- Build strong working relationships and foster collaboration across multiple organizational functions
Risk Management & Operational Execution
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, dependencies, and operational challenges proactively
- Ensure delivery activities align with enterprise governance, compliance, and operational standards
- Support enterprise transformation and operational excellence initiatives through disciplined execution practices
Continuous Improvement & Team Leadership
- Promote continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and implementing best practices across delivery processes
- Mentor and guide junior project managers and project team members
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, agility, and execution excellence
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- 7+ years of project management experience with demonstrated success delivering complex, high-impact enterprise initiatives
- Strong understanding of:
- Agile methodologies
- Waterfall delivery frameworks
- Hybrid project management approaches
- Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to changing business needs
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities
- Experience with enterprise project management tools and reporting platforms
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience within financial services or highly regulated industries
- Background supporting technology transformation, digital modernization, or operational improvement initiatives
- Experience leading geographically dispersed or cross-functional delivery teams
- MBA or advanced degree in Business, Technology, or related field
- Familiarity with enterprise governance, risk management, and compliance practices
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid
Location:
Richmond, VA
Compensation:
$109,900 – $137,900 per year
Contract Details:
- Employment Type: Full-Time