A large custody bank is seeking a Sr Program Manager to lead complex enterprise initiatives and strategic programs across the organization.
This role is responsible for overseeing multiple large-scale programs from planning through implementation while ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, operational priorities, and enterprise governance standards. The Sr Program Manager will work closely with executive leadership, technology organizations, business units, operations teams, and external partners to drive successful program delivery in a fast-paced financial services environment.
The ideal candidate will bring strong program leadership expertise, exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, and experience delivering enterprise-scale initiatives within complex and matrixed organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
Enterprise Program Leadership
- Lead and manage multiple complex enterprise programs simultaneously across business and technology functions
- Drive strategic initiatives from inception through implementation while ensuring successful execution against business objectives
- Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with enterprise quality and governance standards
Program Planning & Execution
- Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans including:
- Scope definition
- Timeline and milestone management
- Budget oversight
- Resource allocation
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Coordinate execution activities across multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams
- Monitor program performance metrics and adjust plans proactively to maintain delivery objectives
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Collaborate with:
- Technology teams
- Business units
- Operations organizations
- Executive leadership
- External vendors and partners
- Facilitate communication and alignment across diverse stakeholder groups and matrixed teams
- Support strategic decision-making and issue resolution throughout the program lifecycle
Risk Management & Governance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, dependencies, and operational challenges proactively
- Establish governance structures, reporting frameworks, and escalation protocols aligned with enterprise standards
- Prepare and deliver executive-level program status reporting, dashboards, and governance materials
- Ensure adherence to enterprise program management methodologies and delivery best practices
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
- Program delivery effectiveness
- Operational efficiency
- Governance maturity
- Process optimization
- Promote best practices across enterprise program and project management disciplines
- Support organizational transformation and operational modernization initiatives as needed
Vendor & Resource Management
- Manage vendor relationships and third-party resources supporting enterprise program delivery
- Coordinate external delivery teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and operational expectations
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 7+ years of program management experience within financial services or related industries
- Proven track record successfully delivering large-scale, complex enterprise programs
- Strong understanding of:
- Program management methodologies
- Enterprise governance frameworks
- Strategic delivery practices
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to influence and drive results within matrixed organizations
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification preferred
- Experience with enterprise project and program management tools and reporting platforms
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience within custody banking, asset servicing, or broader financial services organizations
- Familiarity with operational risk management, compliance, and regulatory governance within banking environments
- Experience supporting enterprise transformation, operational modernization, or technology delivery initiatives
- Strong executive communication and governance reporting capabilities
- Experience leading geographically distributed and cross-functional delivery teams
Work Arrangement:
On-site
Location:
Chicago, IL
Compensation:
DOE (Depends on Experience)
Contract Details:
- Employment Type: Full-Time
Type of Project: Program Management
Work Arrangement: onsite
Work Type: Full-Time
State: Chicago - IL