Project Manager - Trade Finance & Liquidity Management (Banking)

Job description

The Project Manager will be responsible for leading and managing complex projects within the Trade Finance (e.g., Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Supply Chain Finance) and Liquidity Management (e.g., Cash Management, sweeping, pooling, payment systems integration) domains. This role requires a strong background in project management methodologies, coupled with deep subject matter expertise in banking operations, financial products, and related regulatory landscapes. The Project Manager will manage all aspects of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, control, and closure, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required scope and quality standards. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership & Delivery: Lead cross-functional project teams, including business analysts, IT developers, operations, legal, and compliance specialists, to deliver solutions for Trade Finance and Liquidity Management systems or processes. Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope definition, detailed work breakdown structures, schedules, resource allocations, and risk management strategies. Oversee and manage the execution of all project phases, ensuring adherence to the bank's project management methodology (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid). Stakeholder Management & Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for project communication, providing regular status updates, escalating critical issues, and managing expectations of senior management and key business stakeholders. Facilitate workshops and meetings to gather requirements, define solutions, and gain consensus among stakeholders. Domain Expertise & Solutioning: Apply deep knowledge of Trade Finance products, operations, and market trends (e.g., digitization, SWIFT messaging standards, UCP 600) to project delivery. Leverage expertise in Liquidity and Cash Management principles, systems, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Basel III, payments regulations) to ensure the viability and compliance of implemented solutions. Ensure project solutions align with business strategy, operational efficiency goals, and regulatory mandates. Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues. Manage change requests, assessing impact on scope, schedule, and budget. Financial Management: Manage project budgets, tracking expenditure and reporting on financial performance. Bachelor’s degree in business information systems (IS), computer science or related field, or equivalent degree or IT experience. Project management certification will be an advantage. Experience • 10 to 12 years of progressively responsible IT experience, with sensitivity and commitment to business problem solving and complex project management. • Minimum of 5 years Experience in similar role in the banking domain is a must, including Oracle Digital banking implementation experience Domain Knowledge Mandatory strong understanding of end-to-end Trade Finance processes, instruments (LCs, Guarantees, Bills), and relevant technology platforms. Mandatory deep understanding of Liquidity and Cash Management products, including sweeping, pooling, netting, and various payment systems (e.g., RTGS, ACH, SWIFT). Familiarity with financial services regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, KYC, sanctions screening) in the context of Trade Finance and payments. Knowledge and Skills •Distinctive blend of business, IT, financial and communication skills. This blend is vital because this is a highly visible position with substantial impact. •Good understanding of current and emerging technologies, and of how other enterprises are using them to drive digital business. •Knowledge of project management methodology and experience or familiarity with major, defined program management approaches (for example, that of the Project Management Institute or PRINCE2 and agile approaches ). •Proven proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence). •Significant knowledge of project planning/scheduling tools (for example, Microsoft Project and Open Workbench), with a solid record of accomplishment of practical application. •Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; expertise in setting and managing customer expectations. •Effective influencing and negotiating skills in an environment in which this role may not directly control resources. •Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a prominent level of customer trust and confidence. •Ability to support a tactical resource plan by mapping future demand to forecast project completions in the project portfolio. •Excellent communication and presentation skills. •Excellent level of writing skills in English •Good Analytical Skills •Good interpersonal skills •Time Management skills Preferences will be given to Candidates with previous experience in GCC All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We are a fast growing Digital Transformation Consulting & Technology Organisation, operating in the ME region. We work with Leading clients in multiple sectors and maintains a successful track records of delivery.