Technology Portfolio Lead

Job description / Role

Operating in the UAE for over 50 years, CBD manages the financial requirements of some of the largest corporates and businesses operating in the country, driving the UAE economy. Over the years, CBD has transformed into a progressive and modern banking institution winning multiple awards for its digital initiatives, credit cards, bank accounts, mobile app features and services.

CBD has been recognized as the number one bank in the UAE on the Forbes list of The World's Best Banks 2022.

As we continue to build upon our successes, we are looking for ambitious individuals who are passionate about the banking and finance industry and the markets in which CBD operates. Just as important to us is your ability to demonstrate a talent for dealing with people - your colleagues and our customers - and delivering service that really goes the extra mile.

Job Purpose:

The Portfolio Manager will be responsible for the management, business analysis and oversight of Technology demand and projects.

The Portfolio Manager will also be responsible for establishing and managing a portfolio of projects within the Technology Group, to deliver all activities within agreed constraints of time, budget, and quality. This includes acquiring resources and coordinating the efforts of team members and third-party contractors or consultants to deliver projects according to plan.

The jobholder will interact with business users to ascertain their needs and undertake the implementation of selected package solutions or development of systems-based solutions to meet business requirements. He/she will supervise all Project management responsibilities, i.e., prepare and maintain project plans, monitor progress reports and act as liaison between IT PMO and Technology department.

Principal Accountabilities:

Portfolio Management

Shaping the change agenda for Technology, working with IT PMO Head and CIO and their direct reports to prioritize key change initiatives in line with the strategic direction of CBD.

Direct the delivery of programs through active sponsorship, leadership, and involvement in specific initiatives to ensure they meet time, cost, and quality requirements.

Implement an effective review, reporting, and presentation structure for all projects/programs.

Conduct program evaluations

Work closely with key stakeholders responsible for delivery of the constituent workstreams within the program

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all senior business unit stakeholders including General Managers and external vendors as required and ensuring effective portfolio communications.

Ensuring portfolio resources are appropriate to enable the necessary operational and strategic capability.

Facilitating Steering Committees and any other governance forums to ensure alignment and that strategically important changes remain on track for delivery.

Managing senior stakeholders in uncovering and resolving potential conflicts or disagreements about project priorities

Project Management

Managing a portfolio of multiple projects - managing their interdependencies, resourcing and any proposed changes which may affect project priorities.

Identifying resourcing needs in line with the portfolio plan

Establish project plan and initiate project mobilization by confirming project scope, estimate, resources, roles, and responsibilities.

Monitor and control execution of project though Analyze, Design, Build, Test and Release

Provide leadership and decision-making support by establishing project governance.

Perform project reporting including overall performance of the program and project completion documentation.

Lead efforts around work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans and status reports.

Lead the design, development, and implementation of business perspective work plans to determine the required tasks and resources (process, functional, etc.) for complex projects spanning multiple business units.

Provide appropriate performance feedback for project team members.

Coach and mentor project team members on best practices, including solution delivery and IT value.

Provide input around the hiring, supervising, training, and promotion of candidates as needed.

Lead medium to large scale IT projects for a business unit within time, budget, and specification constraints.

Demonstrate competency in coordinating all aspects of a large, complex project involving multiple IT disciplines. Coordinate projects with other on-going efforts.

Manage the scope change process and issue identification/resolution with all stakeholders.

Monitor and communicate status to senior leadership. Communicate and incorporate feedback from customers.

Craft and implement communication plans requiring cultural change within the organization.

Identify and anticipate risks and issues. Facilitate resolution, mitigation, and appropriate escalation to senior management.

Define quality standards and ensure compliance.

Prepare project completion documentation with project performance, lesson learned.

Ensure access to sensitive information pertaining to the Bank, and ongoing and future projects are maintained in strict confidence.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

At least 10 years of experience in Program and Project Management, Business Analysis, Portfolio Management, IT Operating Model and IT Management

Excellent understanding of waterfall and agile development methodologies and its pros, cons and implication in different scenarios

Extensive understanding in IT Project Management,

Excellent understanding Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology (processes, and deliverables)

Excellent understanding of Banking Domains (particularly in Technology)

Graduation degree or more.

Professional certification in Project Management

About the Company

In 1969, when we at Commercial Bank of Dubai started out little did we know that sheer grit and determination would get us where we are today. An Emiri Decree issued by His Highness the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of modern Dubai, laid the cornerstone of Commercial Bank of Dubai. We started out as a joint venture of Commerzbank, Chase Manhattan Bank and Commercial Bank of Kuwait. A minority stake was held by a few UAE businessmen.

By 1982, little more than a decade later, we evolved into a National Public Shareholding company. A feat complimented by an exponential increase in the capital base and mammoth restructuring of our operations. The feather in the cap came when the Government of Dubai became a key shareholder.

Over the decades, we have transformed ourselves into a progressive and modern banking institution. We are supported by a sturdy financial base and reigned by a strong and stable management. The proof of which lies with our customers who have stood by us over the years.