Cards Program Lead

Client of Outsized

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.