Payment Project Manager – Banking & Payments Transformation

Job Title: Payment Project Manager – Banking & Payments TransformationDuration: 1 year.

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Location: Dubai, UAEDomain: Banking & Financial Services – Payments TransformationRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Payment Project Manager to lead and deliver banking and payment transformation initiatives across the GCC region.

The role requires strong project management expertise, in-depth knowledge of banking and payment systems, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams, vendors, technology partners, and senior stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets while maintaining regulatory compliance, effective governance, operational readiness, and business objectives.Required Qualifications and ExperienceMinimum 10+ years of overall professional experience, including at least 8 years in project management.Proven experience delivering banking and payment transformation projects within banks or financial institutions.Strong understanding of domestic and cross-border payment systems, including:- SWIFT- RTGS- ACH- Instant Payments- Clearing and Settlement- ISO 20022- Payment ChannelsExperience managing core banking implementations, upgrades, migrations, carve-outs, or large-scale transformation programs.Demonstrated experience managing senior banking stakeholders, technology teams, vendors, and external partners.Strong knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), project governance, budgeting, risk management, and delivery controls.Experience coordinating system integration testing (SIT), user acceptance testing (UAT), cutover, deployment, and operational readiness.Good understanding of banking operations, payment processing, financial services, and regulatory requirements.Practical experience with Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid project management methodologies.Required Skills and CompetenciesStrong project leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and team coordination skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage senior management.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for reporting, data analysis, project tracking, and dashboard preparation.Strong Microsoft PowerPoint skills for executive presentations and Steering Committee updates.Excellent documentation, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and dependencies.Ability to drive project delivery in complex, multi-vendor banking environments.