Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme Manager (Hybrid) – FX / Payments

Financial Services Sector

Role Overview:

Our client in the financial services sector is seeking an experienced **Senior Programme Manager** with deep expertise in **Foreign Exchange (FX)** and/or **Payments** to lead complex multi-stream programmes across the enterprise. This role requires a strategic leader who can drive delivery in a scaled Agile (SAFe) environment, coordinate diverse stakeholder groups, and ensure high-quality execution of regulatory, technology, and business transformation initiatives.

The Senior Programme Manager will oversee planning, governance, financials, risk management, and delivery alignment across cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong domain knowledge, exceptional leadership capability, and a proven track record of delivering large-scale payment or FX programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Lead multi-stream programmes from initiation through delivery and operational handover.
• Oversee full programme lifecycle including scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and quality.
• Ensure alignment to strategic business objectives and regulatory/compliance requirements (e.g., cross-border payments, FX settlement, treasury operations).
• Drive delivery management using Agile/SAFe methodologies while ensuring programme-level governance and reporting.

FX / Payments Domain Ownership

• Provide subject-matter expertise in
  FX products, cross-border payments, settlement processes, SWIFT, ISO20022, and payment rails
  .
• Manage programme streams linked to system upgrades, digital channels, core banking/payment hub transformations, risk/treasury modernisation, and regulatory enhancements.
• Understand interdependencies across front-office, treasury, operations, risk, compliance, and technology.

Stakeholder & Executive Engagement

• Engage senior-level stakeholders including Exco, CIO, COO, Risk, Treasury, and Product Owners.
• Present programme updates, risks, financials, and strategic recommendations.
• Influence and align cross-functional teams across business and technology.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong programme governance structures.
• Produce high-quality reporting packs for Steering Committees, executives, and regulators.
• Ensure all deliverables meet compliance, operational risk, and audit standards.

Risk & Issue Management

• Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies across all workstreams.
• Resolve escalations promptly and remove blockers hindering delivery.
• Oversee financial management including forecasting, CapEx/OpEx allocations, and budget tracking.

Team Leadership & Coaching

• Lead and mentor Programme Managers, Project Managers, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional delivery teams.
• Promote Agile best practices across teams and help embed SAFe standards.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance delivery culture.

Required Experience & Competencies

Experience

• 10+ years in programme management, with at least 5 years at senior level.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale
  FX or Payments
  programmes within financial services or banking.
• Demonstrated success working in Agile/SAFe environments across multiple teams and release trains.
• Experience in regulatory-driven environments and complex financial ecosystems.

Technical & Domain Skills

• Strong understanding of:
• FX trading, pricing, settlements, treasury systems, liquidity
• Payment rails (RTGS, SWIFT, ISO20022, SEPA, cross-border payments, ACH, card payments)
• Integration platforms, payment hubs, and core banking technologies
• Ability to navigate complex enterprise architectures and technology landscapes.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to manage complex organisational dynamics.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and ensure delivery under pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or similar) beneficial.
• SAFe, Agile, PMP, or Prince2
  certification essential (SAFe preferred).
• Additional domain certifications in payments or treasury beneficial.