Program Manager

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Experience: 3+ yrs

Location: Bengaluru

Job Type: Full-time

We are looking for a highly driven and execution-focused Program Manager to lead multiple strategic programs and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced financial services environment.

The role requires a strong combination of program execution, stakeholder management, process governance, operational excellence, and problem-solving. You will independently drive programs from planning through execution and closure, ensuring alignment across business, operations, product, technology, risk, compliance, and leadership teams.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in ambiguous and high-pressure situations, takes complete ownership of outcomes, and has a strong bias toward action and execution.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Independently lead and execute multiple strategic programs and cross-functional workstreams from initiation through completion.
• Define program objectives, execution plans, milestones, dependencies, resources, risks, and success criteria.
• Ensure programs are delivered within committed timelines, scope, quality, and business expectations.
• Establish structured governance mechanisms to monitor program health, progress, risks, and dependencies.
• Conduct periodic program reviews and provide clear status updates to senior leadership.
• Coordinate execution across Business, Operations, Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and other functions.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable operational and execution processes.
• Establish governance frameworks, reporting cadences, review mechanisms, and standardized operating processes.
• Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for automation or operational improvement.
• Manage senior stakeholders with confidence, clarity, and strong communication.
• Build alignment across teams with different priorities, dependencies, and business objectives.
• Proactively identify risks, anticipate potential delivery challenges, and drive structured resolution.
• Manage escalations effectively and ensure critical issues are addressed within appropriate timelines.
• Challenge and control scope creep while balancing business priorities and delivery commitments.
• Run Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including stand-ups, sprint reviews, planning sessions, and execution governance calls.
• Track inter-team dependencies and proactively unblock issues affecting delivery.
• Maintain execution continuity across multiple teams and workstreams.
• Operate effectively in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations while maintaining focus on outcomes.
• Take hands-on ownership of critical execution activities whenever required.
• Identify opportunities to improve program delivery, operational rigor, team collaboration, and overall execution efficiency.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• 3+ years of experience in program management, project management, business operations, consulting, strategy, or a closely related role.
• Proven experience independently managing cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives from planning through delivery.
• Strong understanding of program planning, milestone management, dependencies, risk management, governance, and execution tracking.
• Experience working with multiple functions such as Business, Operations, Product, Technology, Risk, and Compliance.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills with the ability to engage confidently with senior leadership.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide clear updates, drive alignment, and manage difficult conversations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities with a structured approach to resolving complex issues.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and familiarity with sprint planning, stand-ups, reviews, and execution governance.
• Strong process-improvement mindset with experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing scalable operating processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, programs, dependencies, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong ownership mindset with a demonstrated bias for action and execution.
• Comfortable working independently and making practical decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Ability to remain organised and delivery-focused in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments.
• Willingness to take a hands-on approach and work at the ground level when required to drive outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail, operational discipline, and commitment to delivery excellence.
• Experience in financial services, fintech, NBFCs, or startup environments will be an advantage.