Principal Lead, Cards & Loyalty

Job Description

Role specific responsibilities:

• Define and execute the technology roadmap for Cards and Loyalty in alignment with reference architecture and business strategy
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of Islamic products
• Collaborate with product, operations, and compliance teams to deliver seamless and compliant customer journeys
• Oversee the modernization of legacy systems and migration to cloud-native architectures where applicable
• Monitor and manage technology budgets, vendor contracts, and service level agreements (SLAs).

General functional responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction to technology teams supporting Cards& Loyalty Domain
• Ensure robust IT governance, risk management, and compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Champion a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement within the technology function
• Foster collaboration with enterprise architecture, security, infrastructure, and other IT domains.
• Track and report on key scorecards indicators (KPIs) including Audit and RISK items.

Core competencies required (Exp Overall: 12+ Years, Cards Domain: 8+ Years):

• Strategic Thinking & Vision: Ability to align technology strategy with business objectives and anticipate future trends.
• Leadership & People Management: Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams, mentoring talent, and fostering a high-performance culture
• Transformation Expertise: Deep understanding of digital banking, customer experience platforms, and emerging fintech trends on Cards & Payments
• Cards Knowledge: Familiarity with all types of cards (Credit, Debit, Prepaid, Closed-Loop etc.) principles, working and their technological implications along with various Loyalty applications and use cases.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and collaboration skills with business leaders, regulators, and vendors

About Us

About Us:

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the largest bank in the UAE and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions. We offer a comprehensive range of personal and private banking services, including credit cards, Islamic banking, investments, loans, and mortgages. Our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to provide top-tier financial solutions to our clients.

Life at FAB:

Working at FAB means being part of a team of talented and passionate individuals with a shared vision to support the ambitions of our stakeholders to "Grow Stronger." We embrace the needs of our customers across the globe with a sense of responsibility and confidence driven by extensive expertise that can only be delivered by an ambitious world-class organization

Career Development:

FAB offers unique career choices, a chance to innovate, craft solutions for the future, and express yourself in a performance-based culture that will unleash the best in you. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, FAB provides a range of learning and development initiatives to support all employees through training and skill development.

Our Values:

At FAB, we place our customers at the core of our activities, live our values each day in every way, celebrate achievements, and empower each other to deliver leading solutions. We have structured plans for the recruitment and career progression of Emirati talent to enable them to make a mark in the financial and banking sector both regionally and globaly that rewards your hard work and dedication.

Join our team and be part of a journey to shape the future of banking.