Business Initiatives Manager - Innovation Leadership Program (iLead)

Job Title:

Business Initiatives Manager - Innovation Leadership Program (iLead)

Location:

CityScape

What you'll do:

This development program helps participants strengthen their business acumen, build practical credit skills, and develop an innovation‑focused mindset. Participants will gain a strong grounding in credit fundamentals, enhanced through a targeted development track that strengthens their credit expertise and prepares them to lead with insight and innovation. Training will also incorporate process optimization concepts, emerging uses of AI, and the essentials of change management to support well‑rounded, strategic decision‑making. Throughout the program, they will work on high‑impact projects that shape the future of Western Alliance Bank, accelerate their careers as innovation leaders, expand their professional networks, and engage closely with senior executives across the enterprise.

Digital Assets Product Management Overview 

The Digital Assets team is responsible for identifying and developing innovative solutions that enhance Western Alliance Bank’s product capabilities, improve client experience, and strengthen operational efficiency. This team plays a key role in advancing first line of defense (1LOD) risk management while designing next generation digital payment and onboarding solutions. 

The group collaborates closely with the Digital Assets Group (DAG), Technology, Operations, Risk, and Product partners to evaluate emerging market trends, assess digital asset opportunities, develop wallet capabilities, and create digital onboarding solutions powered by AI and modern APIs. Through this work, the team supports strategic initiatives that drive growth, deepen client engagement, and expand Western Alliance Bank’s digital footprint. 

Track Overview 

The Digital Assets track will provide the participant with direct experience in product development, digital innovation, operations, and 1LOD risk management. A key focus in this track will be supporting a strategic initiative to build and launch a digital wallet offering—an innovation that aligns with the bank’s broader digital strategy and growth objectives. 

The participant will conduct market research, assist in the development of the product strategy, and help create project plans across the product lifecycle. They will support financial modeling in partnership with FP&A, contribute to policy creation to ensure strong risk controls, and help design AI-driven onboarding capabilities that enhance customer experience and operational excellence. 

Throughout this track, the participant will work closely with DAG and cross functional partners to bring innovative concepts to life, influence the future of digital product capabilities, and strengthen the bank’s competitive position in the payments and digital assets ecosystem. 

This is an eighteen-month program that serves as a pathway into a long‑term career with Western Alliance Bank. After 12 months, participants may be considered for full‐time opportunities, contingent on performance and supported by our Talent team through the application and selection process. 

What you'll need:

• MBA or master's degree in a related field completed within the last three years and before the start of the program. 

• Two to five years of related experience in product management, financial services, technology, payments, operations, risk management, strategy, or data analysis. 

• Demonstrated history of acting as a change agent and taking initiative. 

• Desire to innovate, disrupt, and improve.