Our client, a Global Payments Firm is currently engaged in a project with a leading bank in Saudi Arabia. To support with this, our client is looking to onboard a Cards Program Lead to join their team.

The Program Lead will oversee the end-to-end launch and management of corporate and consumer card programs, working closely with cross-functional and leadership teams. This role is responsible for driving strategy, execution, and optimization of card products, ensuring alignment with client needs and company’s capabilities.

Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

 Market Research and Strategy Development

• Benchmark large-market corporate and consumer card programs. 
• Identify key customer needs (travel spend management, expense reconciliation, card features and benefits).  
• Develop business strategy with revenue projections and cost-benefit analysis. Perform strategy calibration as per business requirements. 
• Align product strategy with company’s network and offerings. 

Planning & Coordination 

• Provide oversight of program delivery against the project plan.
• Coordinate tasks across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• 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.  

Risk Management 

• Identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle. 
• Implement effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact. 

Quality Assurance 

• 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.

Budget & Resource Management 

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

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).  
• Hands-on expertise in program management specifically related to card launches 
• Proven experience in program or project management within financial services or payment solutions.  
• Strong understanding of commercial and consumer card programs and associated technologies.  
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.  
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a plus. 
• Experience working with payment schemes.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement. 
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 
• Proven stakeholder management from technical and non-technical areas as well as senior management 
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

This is a 12 months contractual role based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.