Program Manager

Local candidates with Banking Domain, that have handled complex projects.

Role : Program Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Long Term

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly technical Program Manager to lead complex technology initiatives within our financial services division. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end delivery of critical application development and API integration programs. The ideal candidate will combine deep banking domain knowledge with a strong technical background in modern software engineering, ensuring our digital products are scalable, secure, and delivered on time.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership: Direct the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale application development and API-driven programs, managing multiple interconnected project streams.

API & App Strategy Execution: Partner with engineering and product teams to deliver robust digital applications and modernize our architecture through RESTful APIs and microservices.

Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders. Provide clear, executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and ROI.

Banking Compliance & Security: Ensure all software and API developments adhere strictly to banking regulations (e.g., Open Banking, PCI-DSS) and internal data security protocols.

Cross-Functional Coordination: Drive collaboration across UI/UX, backend engineering, QA, DevOps, and compliance teams to remove blockers and foster an Agile delivery environment.

Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify program risks, manage dependencies across external vendors and internal systems, and implement effective contingency plans.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Experience: 7+ years of experience in project/program management, with a proven track record of managing full-lifecycle application development.

Banking Domain: 3+ years of experience working directly within the banking, financial services, or FinTech industry.

Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of modern software development lifecycles (SDLC), API architectures (REST, GraphQL), cloud platforms, and microservices.

Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; capable of translating complex technical challenges into clear business impacts for C-level executives.

Methodology: Deep expertise in Agile/Scrum methodologies; relevant certifications (PMP, PgMP, CSM, or SAFe) are highly preferred.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.