Senior Project Manager – IT

About This Role

Summary

The Senior Project Manager – IT will lead mission critical technology initiatives with a primary focus on Core Banking system implementation/upgrades, IT infrastructure modernization, and SDLC governance. The role is responsible for end-to-end project delivery, ensuring technology programs are executed on time, within budget, and in alignment with business, regulatory, security, and enterprise architecture requirements.

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in driving large scale system transformation initiatives, including core platform migration, infrastructure refresh, integration ecosystems, and operational resilience enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

Core Banking Implementation / Upgrade

• Lead end-to-end Core Banking system implementation, migration, or upgrade programs.
• Ensure solution architecture aligns with enterprise IT strategy, data governance standards, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Oversee data migration, reconciliation controls, parallel runs, and cutover planning with strong audit trails.
• Govern SIT, UAT, performance testing, cybersecurity validation, and go live readiness.
• Manage post go live stabilization and regulatory reporting alignment.

IT Infrastructure & Operational Resilience

• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives including data center transformation, cloud adoption (private/hybrid), DR site implementation, and network/security enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with CBUAE IT Risk and Information Security standards.
• Oversee Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) testing, including regulatory reporting of test outcomes.
• Ensure high availability, redundancy, capacity planning, and operational resilience across core systems.
• Coordinate vulnerability assessments, penetration testing remediation, and cybersecurity controls with IT Security teams.

SDLC, IT Governance & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce structured SDLC frameworks with defined stage gates, documentation standards, and approval controls.
• Ensure strong change management, release governance, and segregation of duties in line with regulatory expectations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for internal audit, external audit, and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure compliance with IT risk frameworks, information security policies, and internal control standards.
• Provide structured reporting to senior management and relevant committees (IT Steering Committee, Risk Committee, etc.).

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and manage detailed project plans including timelines, budgets, risks, dependencies, and regulatory milestones.
• Present regular updates to Executive Management and Board-level committees where required.
• Manage cross-functional coordination between Business, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Technology teams.
• Identify and mitigate technology and regulatory risks proactively.
• Ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets and strategic objectives.

Knowledge & Skills

• 10-12+ years of IT Project Management experience within UAE banking or financial services.
• Proven experience delivering Core Banking implementation or upgrade in a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of UAE regulatory expectations relating to IT governance, outsourcing, and operational resilience.
• Deep knowledge of banking system integrations (LOS, CRM, Treasury, GL, Channels).
• Strong understanding of infrastructure architecture, DR/BCP frameworks, and cybersecurity controls.
• Experience managing third-party vendors under regulated outsourcing frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and regulatory communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) required.
• ITIL, Agile, Cloud, Cybersecurity, or Infrastructure certifications preferred.