Program Manager – Bank Merger

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a bank merger initiative for a Midwest-based commercial bank. This role is essential in driving the successful integration of people, processes, systems, and compliance activities across the merging institutions. You’ll be responsible for orchestrating complex, cross-functional workstreams and ensuring alignment with regulatory, operational, and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of the bank merger program, including pre-merger planning, execution, and post-merger stabilization.
• Lead cross-functional workstreams such as core banking system integration, digital channel consolidation, data migration, customer communications, and more.
• Develop and maintain detailed program plans, risk registers, and stakeholder communication strategies.
• Partner with senior leadership, functional leads, and external vendors to ensure timelines and milestones are met.
• Monitor dependencies across tracks and escalate risks or delays as needed.
• Ensure regulatory reporting and compliance milestones are achieved throughout the merger process.
• Facilitate governance meetings, provide executive updates, and track key performance indicators.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of program or project management experience in banking or financial services, with a proven track record managing M&A or large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Deep understanding of banking operations, regulatory considerations, and system integrations.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, ClickUp, Jira, Confluence).
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and navigate ambiguity.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP, PgMP, or related certification.
• Experience with core banking platforms such as Systematics, DNA, etc.
• Familiarity with bank regulatory frameworks and post-merger compliance requirements.
• Prior experience working directly with vendor partners, including fintechs or system integrators.

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid (2–3 days onsite in Chicago, ILL per week)

Location:

Chicago (Bank HQ)

Contract Details:

• 12-month contract with potential for extension or conversion
• Competitive rate: Dependent on Experience (DOE)
• Start Date: April 15, 2025