Lead Program Manager
Summary
Lead Program Manager plans and executes multiple strategic initiatives across business, product, tech, risk, and compliance teams in a fast-paced fintech environment.
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐น๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐'๐ ๐ฐ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ: ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ - ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ (๐ถ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ฌ-๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐๐ฃ๐)
Experience: 7+ yrs
Location: Bengaluru
Job Type: Full-time
We are looking for a highly driven and execution-focused Lead Program Manager to lead multiple strategic programs and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
This role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, stakeholder management, and operational discipline. The ideal candidate will independently drive complex programs end-to-end while mentoring junior program managers responsible for parallel workstreams.
The role involves close collaboration across business, operations, product, technology, risk, compliance, and leadership teams. Success in this position requires strong ownership, the ability to navigate ambiguity and high-pressure situations, and a hands-on approach to solving problems and delivering outcomes.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
- Independently lead and execute multiple strategic programs and cross-functional workstreams from planning through completion.
- Define program objectives, plans, milestones, dependencies, execution frameworks, risks, and success metrics.
- Ensure programs are delivered within agreed timelines, scope, quality, and business objectives.
- Establish strong execution discipline across multiple teams in a fast-moving environment.
- Track program progress through structured governance mechanisms, reviews, dashboards, and reporting cadences.
- Mentor and guide junior Program Managers managing independent workstreams.
- Provide prioritization support, execution coaching, escalation management, and problem-solving guidance to the program management team.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable operational and program management processes.
- Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and execution bottlenecks and drive initiatives to improve operational effectiveness.
- Manage senior leadership stakeholders with clear, structured, and effective communication.
- Drive alignment across business, product, operations, technology, risk, compliance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Proactively identify program risks, manage escalations, and drive structured resolution of complex issues.
- Effectively manage scope changes and scope creep while balancing business priorities and delivery commitments.
- Lead Agile execution through Scrum ceremonies, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, planning sessions, and governance meetings.
- Coordinate across teams to resolve dependencies, remove blockers, and maintain execution momentum.
- Operate effectively in situations involving ambiguity, evolving priorities, tight timelines, and high-pressure delivery requirements.
- Demonstrate strong ownership and a bias toward action, stepping in at the ground level when required to ensure successful execution.
- Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and execution excellence across programs.
What Makes You a Great Fit
- 7โ9 years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, PMO, or a similar cross-functional leadership role.
- Proven experience independently managing complex, high-impact programs involving multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Strong track record of taking programs end-to-end from strategy and planning through execution and delivery.
- Experience mentoring, guiding, or managing junior Program Managers or project teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
- Strong ability to manage escalations, resolve conflicts, and drive alignment among diverse stakeholders.
- Hands-on experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies, program governance, and execution frameworks.
- Strong analytical, planning, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, rapidly changing, and high-pressure environments.
- Strong ownership mindset with a demonstrated bias for action and results-oriented approach.
- Assertive and confident while maintaining a collaborative and solution-oriented working style.
- Ability to influence teams and stakeholders without relying solely on formal authority.
- Experience in NBFC, FinTech, lending, financial services, or banking is an advantage.
- Familiarity with financial services operations, risk and compliance coordination, lending processes, or financial technology ecosystems is a plus.