Core Banking Programme Director (m/f/d)

About the role

A leading bank in Qatar is looking for an experienced Programme Director to lead its Core Banking Transformation Programme, a large-scale initiative covering platform modernisation, process transformation, systems integration, data migration, regulatory compliance and business readiness. The role is based in Doha on a 12-month fixed-term contract (extendable) and makes the candidate accountable for end-to-end delivery, managing executive stakeholders, technology partners, system integrators and internal business functions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the programme from mobilisation through go-live and post-implementation stabilisation, setting up governance, steering committees, reporting and executive communications.
• Oversee workstreams including core banking platform implementation, data migration, systems integration, process re-engineering, testing and quality assurance, cyber security, regulatory compliance, change management, training and business readiness.
• Monitor risks, dependencies, budget, scope and milestones, and drive remediation plans.
• Act as main liaison with executives, regulators, implementation partners and vendors, presenting status updates to Executive Committees and the Board.
• Manage vendor relationships and lead commercial discussions on scope, budget and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with Qatar Central Bank regulations and manage audit, compliance and assurance activities.

Required profile

• 15+ years of programme management experience in banking or financial services.
• At least one large-scale Core Banking Transformation programme exceeding USD 50M in value.
• Proven track record delivering core banking implementations on Temenos T24, Oracle FLEXCUBE, TCS BaNCS, Finastra Phoenix, Infosys Finacle, Thought Machine or Mambu.
• Bachelor's degree; MBA preferred.
• Preferred: GCC banking experience, regulator interaction experience, cloud-enabled transformation experience and Arabic.

Required skills

• Knowledge of retail banking, corporate banking, payments, lending, treasury operations and risk and compliance.
• Experience managing multiple implementation partners and large cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial and commercial management capabilities.