Cards Consulting Program Lead

About the job Cards Consulting Program Lead

Job Title: Cards Consulting Program Lead

Term: 12 months

Location: Riyadh, KSA

Division: CVM

Relevant experience: 15-20 years experience in consulting and program with experience running end-to-end consulting engagement (scope framing, analytics work streams, insight generation, C-level presentation.

Mandatory requirements: Consulting experience, leading consulting teams and supporting in problem solving, hypothesis structuring, shaping recommendations and implementation management. In addition to this, experience delivering analytics projects is a plus.

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Program Lead will lead and oversee the end-to-end launch and management of a large cards management consulting program which covers various projects such as a corporate card program, launch of consumer credit cards, setting up controls and governance structures, setting up analytics and portfolio optimization models through the effective management of consulting squads and working closely with cross-functional and leadership teams. This role implies being a strategic advisor for C-level and responsible for driving strategy, execution, and optimization of card products, ensuring alignment with client needs and Mastercards capabilities.

TASKS

Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Problem Solving and Execution of the Program

• Leads teams to identify the most critical aspects of a problem(s), and guides teams (both internal project management as well as external stakeholders) to business-focused solutions and recommendations that drive client value.
• Hands-on program execution monitoring and implementation
• Application of data driven approach for key decision making

2. Market Research and Strategy Development

• Benchmark large-market corporate and consumer card programs.
• Support in Identify key customer needs (i.e. card features and benefits, travel spend management, expense reconciliation,).
• Develop and refine business strategy with revenue projections and cost-benefit analysis. Perform strategy calibration as per business requirements. Initiates change(s) to project direction where required, and able to decide and act without the total picture
• Align product strategy with Mastercards network and offerings.

3. Execution Planning & Coordination

• Coordinating tasks across internal teams and external stakeholders through cross functional squad leadership is essential
• Provide oversight of program delivery against the project plan.
• Align deliverables with business objectives and timelines.
• Design end-to-end processes for onboarding, servicing, and dispute resolution.
• Establish governance structures for clear accountability.
• Set escalation procedures for customized corporate solutions.

4. Risk Management & Quality Assurance

• Identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle. Implement effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact.
• Ensure compliance with business and technical requirements.
• Oversee testing phases and validate program readiness.
• Communication
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders.
• Manage expectations and maintain clear communication between client and technical teams.

5. Budget & Resource Management

• Monitor project costs and resource allocation.
• Ensure the program remains within approved budget parameters.

6. Post-Launch Support

• Oversee program deployment and ensure smooth go live.
• Address post-launch issues promptly and effectively.
• Monitor performance metrics (adoption, transaction volume, credit performance).
• Identify opportunities for product expansion and enhancements (e.g., CVP revamp, new products)

Knowledge and Experience

• 15+ consulting experience is a must, experience delivering analytics projects is a plus.
• Proven experience in program management & execution within financial services or payment solutions.
• Strong understanding of commercial and consumer card programs and associated technologies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with payment schemes (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
• Experience with retail, corporate and SME banking is also a plus
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and C- Level stakeholder engagement.
• Proven stakeholder management from business and technical areas, ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Bachelors degree in Business, Project Management, or related field (Masters preferred).
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a plus