Lead Program Manager

We are looking for a highly driven and execution-focused Lead Program Manager to handle multiple strategic programs and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced NBFC startup environment. This role requires a strong blend of program execution, stakeholder management, process governance, operational rigor, and people leadership. The ideal candidate should be capable of independently driving large programs/streams end-to-end while also mentoring junior program managers managing parallel workstreams. The role demands someone who thrives in ambiguity, handles high-pressure situations effectively, demonstrates strong ownership, and is willing to roll up their sleeves to get things done on the ground. This is a high-impact role requiring collaboration across business, operations, product, technology, risk, compliance, and leadership teams.

The core responsibilities for the job include the following:

Program and Delivery Management:

• Independently lead and execute multiple strategic programs/workstreams with complete ownership.
• Define program plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, and execution frameworks.
• Ensure delivery within committed timelines, scope, and quality benchmarks.
• Drive execution rigor across cross-functional teams in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Track progress through structured governance mechanisms and periodic reviews.

Team Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentor and oversee junior program managers managing independent streams.
• Provide guidance, prioritization support, escalation handling, and execution coaching.
• Build accountability and execution discipline across the program management team.

Process Excellence and Governance:

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable operational and execution processes.
• Establish governance frameworks, reporting cadences, and review mechanisms.
• Continuously identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.

Stakeholder and Escalation Management:

• Manage senior leadership stakeholders with confidence, clarity, and professionalism.
• Drive alignment across business, product, operations, risk, compliance, and technology teams.
• Proactively identify risks and manage escalations with structured problem-solving approaches.
• Be assertive in handling scope creep while balancing business priorities and delivery commitments.

Agile and Cross-functional Execution:

• Run Scrum ceremonies, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and execution governance calls.
• Coordinate across multiple teams to unblock dependencies and ensure execution continuity.
• Operate effectively in chaotic or ambiguous situations while maintaining delivery focus.

Ownership and Operational Excellence:

• Demonstrate a strong ownership mindset and bias for action.
• Be willing to work hands-on and contribute at ground level when required.
• Thrive in startup environments with evolving priorities and rapid execution cycles.

Requirements:

• Preference: NBFC / FinTech / Financial Services / Startup Ecosystem.
• 7-9 years of experience in program management, project management, or PMO roles.
• Strong experience managing complex cross-functional programs independently.
• Proven ability to mentor and manage junior program managers.
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Strong escalation management and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Experience in Agile/Scrum methodologies and execution frameworks.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, shifting priorities, and high-pressure delivery environments.
• Strong analytical, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Demonstrated ownership mindset and accountability.
• Assertive yet collaborative working style.

Domain Preference:

• Prior experience or understanding of the NBFC, FinTech, lending, financial services, or banking domain is a plus.
• Familiarity with operational processes, risk/compliance coordination, or lending ecosystems will be an advantage.