At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes in fintech, driving strategic client relationships and complex project delivery.
- Company: Join Fiserv, a global leader in fintech and payments, making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor and lead diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payments with cutting-edge AI technology and strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: 15-20+ years in programme management with deep payments expertise.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Calling all innovators - find your future at Fiserv. We're Fiserv, a global leader in Fintech and payments, and we move money and information in a way that moves the world. We connect financial institutions, corporations, merchants, and consumers to one another millions of times a day - quickly, reliably, and securely. If you want to make an impact on a global scale, come make a difference at Fiserv.
About your role:
This role suits a seasoned programme delivery leader (15-20+ years' experience) who can own the client relationship at executive level, shape programme direction where clarity is lacking, and drive teams toward outcomes in complex multi-stakeholder environments. The ideal candidate will combine deep payments domain expertise with a forward-thinking approach to AI-enabled delivery - leveraging automation, agentic AI, and data-driven decision-making to transform programme execution.
What you'll do:
- Strategic Client Leadership
- Own and develop the client relationship at executive level - acting as a trusted strategic partner, not just a delivery manager.
- Lead governance forums, steering committees, and executive reviews with authority and credibility.
- Anticipate client needs, proactively shape engagement strategy, and identify opportunities to deepen the relationship and expand scope.
- Navigate complex client politics and competing priorities, building consensus and driving alignment at senior levels.
- Use AI-supported insights to strengthen client communications, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
- Manage escalations with composure and judgement, maintaining trust even under pressure.
- Programme Delivery & Governance
- Lead multiple concurrent BAU, change, and transformation programmes with varied scope and complexity - taking full accountability for outcomes.
- Own the full delivery lifecycle from initiation through closure, with particular expertise in large-scale card issuing data migration programmes.
- Drive migration strategy, rehearsals, cutovers, and rollback planning with rigour and attention to operational risk.
- Operate confidently in ambiguous environments - structuring unclear programmes, making decisions with incomplete information, and adapting approach as understanding evolves.
- Drive adoption of AI-enabled delivery approaches including automated status reporting, predictive risk and dependency analysis, and data-driven capacity planning.
- Ensure all deliveries meet Fiserv quality standards, contractual commitments, and regulatory obligations.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Build, lead, and motivate cross-functional delivery teams - setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Mentor and develop project managers and delivery leads within the team.
- Champion consistent use of automation and AI tooling across delivery teams to reduce manual effort and improve quality.
- Lead by example in adopting modern delivery practices and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Orchestrate delivery across global, onshore, and offshore teams - ensuring alignment and removing blockers at pace.
- Coordinate effectively across Product, Technology, Architecture, Operations, Compliance, and Integration functions.
- Work with payment schemes (Visa, Mastercard), third-party vendors, and regulators where required.
- Drive cross-programme dependency management and resource optimisation across the portfolio.
- Risk, Issue & Change Management
- Proactively identify and manage delivery, regulatory, operational, and migration-specific risks - with strong judgement on escalation vs resolution.
- Apply AI-assisted risk identification and trend analysis to stay ahead of emerging issues.
- Manage scope changes, CRs, and client expectations through robust governance and clear communication.
- Ensure compliance with Fiserv standards and regional regulatory frameworks (CBUAE, SAMA, etc.).
- Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Own programme P&L - tracking budgets, resource utilisation, margin, and commercial exposure.
- Use automation and AI-driven analysis to improve forecasting accuracy and cost transparency.
- Lead SOW development, effort estimation, and contract negotiations.
- Partner with sales and commercial teams to identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
- Manage commercial risk and ensure programmes remain within agreed financial parameters.
Experience you'll need to have:
- 15-20+ years of experience in programme or project management within payments, card processing, or financial services technology.
- Deep expertise in payments processing, particularly credit card issuing and platform migrations.
- Proven leadership of large-scale, multi-stream data migration programmes in the card issuing domain, including card portfolios, customer/account data, transaction and balance migration, cutover planning, parallel runs.
Program Director in Basildon employer: TRS Recovery Services
TRS Recovery Services provides a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and professional development. Employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in the fintech industry, contributing to meaningful advancements in payment solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Director in Basildon
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like TRS Recovery Services. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Director in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to TRS Recovery Services.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on TRS Recovery Services's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TRS Recovery Services
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with TRS Recovery Services.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at TRS Recovery Services will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former TRS Recovery Services employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.