Professional Services Project Manager

<h1><span><b><span>Who are we?</span></b></span></h1><p><span><span><br/></span></span><span><span>At Finastra, we are a dynamic global provider of open finance software solutions, dedicated to expanding access to financial services. Our innovative applications span Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal Banking. Proudly serving over 8,000 customers, including 45 of the world's top 50 banks, we aim to boost financial inclusion for all. Join us and be part of a vibrant company that embraces diverse perspectives, and is committed to doing well by doing good.</span></span></p><p></p><p></p><b>What will you contribute?</b> <p></p><p>As a <b>Professional Services Project Manager </b>within our Universal Banking business unit, you will lead the successful delivery of complex banking transformation projects that leverage Finastra’s core banking solutions. You will manage the implementation lifecycle end-to-end for SaaS, cloud and on-prem solutions, oversee customer engagements, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver to time, quality and cost expectations. This role demands deep knowledge of core banking solutions, SaaS and cloud implementation processes, excellent program and project management skills, and the ability to align software implementations with customer business objectives. </p><p></p><p><b>Key Responsibilities:</b> </p><p><b>Program Planning and Strategy:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Define the scope, objectives, and success metrics for Finastra’s universal banking solutions implementations in collaboration with customer stakeholders. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Align on scope of work with key customer stakeholders and Finastra <span>stakeholders.  </span></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Develop detailed program roadmaps, incorporating timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Align program deliverables with both customer goals and Finastra’s strategic product roadmap and release schedule. </p></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Customer Engagement and Relationship Management:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the implementation process, ensuring clear communication and continued alignment on program objectives. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Provide expert guidance on the capabilities, features, and functionality of Finastra’s universal banking software and its application to customer-specific needs. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with customer executives and key project stakeholders. </p></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Program Execution and Delivery:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Lead the end-to-end implementation of Finastra’s universal banking solutions, including project scoping, requirements gathering, configuration, customer-specific development, testing, and deployment. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Lead the project in line with Universal Banking’s implementation methodology and project governance <span>standards.  </span></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Collaborate and negotiate with customers where changes of scope are required, and coordinate and document change requests. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Manage data migration from legacy systems, ensuring accuracy, security, and minimal disruption to operations. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Oversee the integration of core banking modules, multi-product integrations and third-party applications – ensuring seamless functionality and performance. </p></li></ul><p><b>Team Leadership and Collaboration:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Coordinate and matrix manage cross-functional resources dedicated to in-scope projects, including product development and application operations as well as customer teams, third-party vendors, and Finastra partners / contractors. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Provide leadership and clear direction to project team resources – ensuring adherence to Finastra’s implementation methodology and governance. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Ensure accurate completion of timesheets for all project resources, and track resource utilisation and cost.  </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture within the program team. </p></li></ul><p><b>Vendor and Partner Management:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Work with Finastra’s technology partners and third-party vendors to ensure timely delivery of system components and services. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Oversee vendor contracts, performance, and deliverables to ensure alignment with program goals. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Oversee partner performance on a day-to-day basis to ensure alignment to customer requirements and quality of <span>deliverables.  </span></p></li></ul><p><b>Risk and Compliance Management:</b> </p><ul><li><p>Proactively identify and mitigate risks and issues related to solution implementation, including technical, operational, integration and regulatory challenges. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Escalate key project risks to Universal Banking’s leadership team where project progress will imp