Senior Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Program ManagerLocation: Mexico City, MexicoContract Type: Full-timeLanguage Requirements: Bilingual (Spanish/English) - Native or fluent proficiency requiredPosition SummaryThe Senior Program Manager / Engagement Partner will serve as the primary client-facing representative and trusted advisor, owning the end-to-end client relationship and program delivery for a major core banking platform implementation. This individual will manage all aspects of program governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and delivery assurance for this strategic, multi-year implementation delivered through Agile sprint-based methodologies.This role requires a unique combination of banking domain expertise, program management excellence, executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with both client stakeholders and technology partners. Deep understanding of various account types (Level 2, 3, and 4 accounts) and their regulatory implications is essential.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Relationship Management (40%)Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to client project leadership and technical teamsBuild and maintain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders across client's technology and business organizationsProvide strategic counsel on banking operations, regulatory compliance, and technology decisionsConduct regular business reviews, steering committee meetings, and executive briefingsProactively identify and address client concerns, managing expectations and maintaining high satisfaction levelsAct as escalation point for all client issues, ensuring rapid resolution and clear communicationTranslate business requirements into actionable program deliverablesManage change control processes and scope discussions with client stakeholdersProgram Delivery and Governance (35%)Own overall program planning, execution, and delivery across all workstreams using Agile methodologiesEstablish and maintain program governance structures, including steering committees, working groups, and status reportingDevelop and manage integrated program plans covering implementation, migration, integration, and regulatory compliance activities delivered through sprint-based executionDrive accountability across delivery teams, platform vendors, and third-party partners in an Agile frameworkManage program budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationshipsEnsure alignment between delivery commitments and platform capabilitiesIdentify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issuesImplement quality assurance processes and delivery excellence frameworksTrack and report on program KPIs, milestone achievement, and SLA complianceBanking & Regulatory Domain Leadership (15%)Leverage banking and payments industry experience to guide solution design and implementation decisionsDemonstrate deep knowledge of various account types (Level 2, 3, and 4 accounts) and their operational and regulatory differencesUnderstand and articulate Mexican financial regulatory requirements (FinTech law, CNBV, Banxico, SPEI) to technical teamsEnsure solution design addresses regulatory compliance for Electronic Payment Fund Institution (IFPE) requirements across all supported account typesSupport preparation of regulatory documentation and approval processes with Mexican authoritiesGuide integration approaches for Mexican payment systems including SPEI, CoDi, and DIMOBring best practices from previous core banking transformationsStakeholder Management & Communication (10%)Facilitate effective communication across distributed teams across multiple geographiesPresent program status, risks, and recommendations to executive stakeholdersManage stakeholder expectations through transparent, proactive communicationCoordinate across multiple client technology and business functionsNavigate complex organizational structures and decision-making processesBuild consensus and drive decision-making in ambiguous situationsRequired QualificationsEssential Experience10+ years of program/project management experience in financial services technology implementations5+ years of direct experience in banking, payments, or core banking system implementationsProven track record managing large-scale ($5M+) technology transformation programsExperience with SaaS banking platforms or core banking system implementationsDirect experience working with banking regulations and compliance requirementsDemonstrated success managing complex client relationships at executive levelsExperience leading distributed teams across multiple geographies and time zonesBanking & Payments Domain KnowledgeDeep understanding of retail banking operations, account management, and transaction processingKnowledge of payment systems and clearing/settlement processesFamiliarity with card processing, debit products, and digital banking channelsUnderstanding of banking regulatory frameworks (Mexican experience highly preferred)Experience with IFPE regulations, SPEI, or Mexican financial technology landscape is a significant advantageTechnical & Methodological CompetenciesStrong understanding of modern cloud-based architectures and SaaS delivery modelsExperience with API-based integrations and microservices architecturesFamiliarity with data migration approaches and strategiesProven experience working in Agile frameworks with sprint-based delivery modelsWorking knowledge of Scrum methodologies and DevOps practicesExperience with ITIL or IT4IT frameworks for production supportUnderstanding of security and compliance requirements (PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2)Language & Location RequirementsNative or fluent bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English (written and verbal)Based in or willing to relocate to Mexico CityAbility to travel domestically within Mexico (20-30%)Comfortable working with international teams across time zonesPreferred QualificationsPrevious experience with major core banking platforms (Finastra, Temenos, Oracle FLEXCUBE, FIS, etc.)Direct experience implementing solutions for Mexican financial institutions or IFPEsKnowledge of CNBV and Banxico regulatory reporting requirementsExperience managing programs for large retail or financial services organizationsPMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certificationPrevious experience as an engagement manager or client partner roleMBA or equivalent advanced business degreeCompetencies & Personal AttributesLeadership & InfluenceExecutive presence with ability to command confidence of C-level stakeholdersStrong leadership skills with ability to influence without direct authorityComfortable making decisions in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsAbility to drive accountability and results across matrixed organizationsCommunication & Relationship BuildingExceptional communication skills with ability to tailor messages to different audiencesNatural relationship builder who establishes trust quicklySkilled at managing difficult conversations and resolving conflictsActive listener who seeks to understand before being understoodBusiness Acumen & Strategic ThinkingCommercial mindset with understanding of P&L accountabilityStrategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with short-term execution needsAbility to identify business risks and opportunities proactivelyUnderstanding of contract management, SLAs, and commercial termsDelivery ExcellenceResults-oriented with proven ability to deliver complex programs on time and budgetDetail-oriented with strong organizational and planning skillsComfortable operating in high-pressure, high-visibility environmentsResilient and adaptable in the face of challenges and changesCultural CompetenceExperience working effectively across cultures Sensitivity to cultural differences in communication styles and business practicesAbility to bridge cultural gaps and build cohesive multinational teams