Lead Project Manager - Cards & Payments

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Onsite)Type: Contract – 12 Months (extendable)Domain: Cards and Payments | Card Launches | PMO GovernanceReporting To: Head of Product – Cards (Operations)Language Requirement: English (mandatory); Arabic is an advantageAvailability: ImmediateWe’re placing an experienced Lead Project Manager – Cards & Payments with a leading global payments network, embedded with a bank in the UAE to run the cards change portfolio for a lean, digital-first cards team.You’ll run the cards change portfolio: new credit card launches, scheme and regulatory mandates, digital wallet capabilities and a domestic scheme card programme.

You’ll be the single point of coordination across the bank, the payments network and third parties, and you’ll own the plan, the governance and the result. A strong performer gets products to market faster and turns launches into active, spending cardholders.Core ResponsibilitiesDeliver launches (~35%): product and BIN setup, card production, digital wallet provisioning readiness, collateral and go-liveRun the PMO (~25%): keep the integrated plan, the RAID log, steering committee packs and cross-team stand-upsClose mandates and dependencies (~20%): coordinate IT, processor, wallet and vendor testing through to certification and production sign-offDrive acquisition and portfolio performance (~20%): improve the application funnel, and track activation and spend after launchSet up and lead a PMO for the cards change portfolio. Agree one masterplan with the client and run Steering Committee governanceAct as the single point of contact between the payments network and the client across all workstreamsDeliver new credit card propositions end to end, from setup through to customers transactingDrive scheme and regulatory mandates to on-time compliance. Escalate blocking dependencies early, including wallet and provisioning complianceCoordinate the remaining domestic scheme card rollout, including the customer journey, communications and tracking activation after reissuanceDiagnose and improve the acquisition funnel, focusing on approval rates, onboarding drop-off and eligibility rules, working with Credit, Product and DigitalCoordinate client teams and vendors against the masterplan. Manage RAID and report portfolio performance regularlyKPIsAt least 90% of milestones delivered on or before the baselined dateEvery in-scope mandate delivered by its deadlineActivation rate and spend per active card in the first 90 days after each launchApplication-to-issuance conversion improved against the agreed baselineRAID discipline: median time to close critical issues, and steering committee reporting delivered on time every cycleKnowledge and Experience10+ years in project management, with a focus on end-to-end delivery of complex projects in banking or payments, including card issuing launches or portfolio optimisation at a bank or payments providerStrong project management skills on large-scale conversion programmes, plus banking or payments product launches and solution deployments in multiple marketsGood working knowledge of card management systems, processors, scheme certification, tokenisation and digital wallet provisioning; able to work through technical issues with technology teamsExcellent leadership, communication and stakeholder skills; confident presenting to senior committeesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, and able to identify and manage project risksComfortable in a fast-paced environment with several priorities at once; proactive and detail-orientedPMP or similar project management certification; agile or hybrid delivery experience is valuedBachelor’s degree in a related field (for example project management, engineering or technology)Arabic is an advantageMandatory SkillsExcellent understanding of card technical portfolio optimisation and of the customer journey from acquisition to activationHands-on delivery of at least one card product launch at an issuerEnd-to-end delivery of a card issuing programme (a launch, a migration or a mandate)Structured project management: planning, RAID and governanceProfessional fluency in English, including English for executive reportingImmediately available to start in the UAEA note on applicationsShortlisting is based on profile fit against the above requirements. Applying does not guarantee a shortlist or interview. Only candidates closely matching the mandatory criteria will be contacted.This role is being sourced by Hyper Lychee — a global tech staffing and consulting firm. The end client will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates only.About UsHyper Lychee Labs is an IT services and consulting company committed to delivering innovative and impactful solutions to a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, the Government of India, and forward-thinking startups. With a focus on leveraging technology for transformation, the company provides custom software development, complex systems implementation, and strategic consulting. Our team of talented professionals collaborates to ensure exceptional results tailored to clients’ needs. Dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity, diversity, and inclusion, Hyper Lychee Labs strives to empower businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.