A regional bank in the Northeast is executing a core banking system migration and is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead all User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities across this critical transformation. This role requires a hands-on leader with deep core banking migration experience who can drive end-to-end UAT strategy, execution, and stakeholder alignment to ensure a successful go-live.
The ideal candidate brings proven experience managing UAT workstreams for core banking conversions, preferably on FIS IBS Core, and can operate effectively across business, technology, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead the end-to-end UAT strategy, planning, and execution for the core banking migration.
- Develop comprehensive UAT plans, test scenarios, entry/exit criteria, and acceptance standards aligned with business requirements.
- Coordinate UAT activities across business units including deposits, loans, payments, GL, and downstream systems.
- Manage cross-functional UAT teams – business testers, SMEs, operations, and IT support staff.
- Drive defect management, triage, and resolution workflows with development and vendor teams.
- Facilitate daily UAT stand-ups, status reporting, and executive-level dashboards.
- Ensure traceability between business requirements, test cases, and test execution results.
- Support parallel runs, dress rehearsals, and production cutover readiness assessments.
- Manage risks and issues specific to the UAT phase and escalate blockers promptly.
- Provide go/no-go recommendations to senior leadership based on UAT outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of project management experience in banking or financial services.
- Proven experience leading UAT for core banking migrations or large-scale system conversions.
- Strong understanding of core banking operations including deposits, loans, payments, and general ledger.
- Experience managing large, cross-functional teams and coordinating with vendors.
- Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project management certification preferred.
- Fluent English proficiency (written and verbal).
Preferred Skills
- Direct experience with FIS IBS Core platform migrations.
- Familiarity with test management tools (Jira, Zephyr, ALM, etc.).
- Experience with data conversion validation and reconciliation testing.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements for U.S. banking operations.
- Experience with Agile/hybrid project delivery frameworks.
Work Arrangement
Primarily Remote – with occasional on-site presence in the NY/NJ area for key milestones, UAT kick-offs, and go-live events.
Location
New York / New Jersey (Northeast U.S.).
Contract Details
- Duration: 6 months (with likely extension)
- Work Type: Contract
- Rate: $100–$120/hr
- Expected Start Date: ASAP
- Job Status: Open