Lead Program Manager

Job Title: Lead Program Manager
Location: Plano, TX / San Antonio, TX / Charlotte, NC
Work Schedule: Hybrid – 4 Days Onsite per Week
Contract Length: 12 Months

Job Ref #: JOB-

This is a Contract Opportunity with our company that MUST be worked on a W2 Only. No C2C eligibility for this position. Visa Sponsorship is Available! The details are below.

Position Summary

Seeking a Lead Program Manager to oversee the management, execution, and delivery of large-scale Finance programs consisting of multiple projects with broad scope, significant investment, and multi-year timelines.

This role is responsible for aligning data and technology solutions with business strategies, driving technology roadmaps, managing program portfolios, and ensuring the achievement of long-term program objectives, deadlines, scope, and business benefits.

The Program Manager will partner with business executives and cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, establish program governance, and support organizational change management.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with business executives to align data and technology solutions with business strategies and contribute to strategic planning.
• Drive execution of technology roadmaps, translating strategic business objectives into actionable programs and projects.
• Manage portfolios of initiatives, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and conduct monthly and quarterly portfolio reviews.
• Oversee end-to-end financial management of program portfolios, including business case development, budget allocation, and forecasting.
• Establish and enforce program governance frameworks to ensure consistent delivery, risk management, issue resolution, and adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide transparent program reporting to executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior business and technology stakeholders across Insurance and Banking divisions.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and business partners.
• Anticipate business needs and identify IT products and services to support business objectives.
• Manage IT opportunity pipelines, qualification, internal value modeling, and proposals.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing project and program management teams.
• Support team development in delivery methodologies, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Communicate IT services, capabilities, processes, and activities to business stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional change planning and execution using established change management methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years of relevant experience , or 6 years with a relevant Master's degree, MBA, or Doctorate .
• Extensive experience leading digital transformation initiatives within or supporting large financial services organizations.
• Experience in strategic planning, business development, or client management.
• Experience managing complex programs and large portfolios of initiatives.
• Working knowledge of insurance, banking, finance, and accounting, including major business processes, business drivers, and key performance indicators.
• Broad understanding of current and emerging technology trends, including AI applications in program management.
• IT and business experience across various technical environments and business segments.
• 3+ years of experience managing others.
• Strong planning, financial management, and performance management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including upward and downward communication.
• Ability to connect opportunities and capabilities across the enterprise.
• Strong persuasion skills and ability to lead through influence.

Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. military experience through military service or as a military spouse/domestic partner.
• Experience leading large-scale, complex programs across multiple business functions or lines of business.
• Experience developing and executing strategic program roadmaps involving cross-business integration and implementation.
• Proficiency with Clarity, TIA, and other program/project management tools.
• Experience with a Big Four consulting firm (KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, EY) or equivalent management consulting background.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to quickly assimilate information and adapt to new environments.
• Strong sense of humor and collaborative approach while maintaining accountability for results.
• Experience managing or engaging with external partnerships, including industry groups and government relations.
• Domain expertise with Finance Data & Technology platforms.