A Card IT Project Manager will manage card-related projects by ensuring smooth project execution and alignment with business goals. Below are the detailed capabilities expected for this position:

10+ years of experience in the same role:

Technical and Domain Expertise

1. Understanding of the complete card lifecycle, including issuance, embossing, activation, transactions, expiry, and reissuance.
2. Expertise in card schemes (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay) and standards (e.g., EMV).
3. Experience integrating Core Banking Systems (CBS) with card management systems (CMS) and external service providers.
4. Skilled in API design, testing, and management for functionalities like card creation, embossing, and e-statement integration.
5. Knowledge of card personalization, including data encryption, secure file transfers, and certification processes for Perso vendors.
6. Familiarity with integration to payment gateways, IVR systems, digital wallets, and mobile banking applications.

Project Management Skills

1. Ability to create detailed project plans, timelines, and deliverables for card-related projects.
2. Proficient in managing end-to-end execution, including resource allocation and milestone tracking.
3. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks such as delays in vendor certification, interface compatibility, or compliance gaps.
4. Managing relationships with external vendors (e.g., NI, Visa, MasterCard) and internal stakeholders like Consumer Banking and IT Operations teams.
5. Capability to adapt project management methodologies based on project complexity and organizational requirements.

Strategic and Analytical Thinking

1. Time-to-Market Focus:
   • Ensuring timely delivery of card products by balancing technical, business, and regulatory requirements.
2. System Analysis:
   • Conducting feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for card-related projects.
   • Understanding the impact of system changes on other banking functions and customer experience.
3. Budget Management:
   • Preparing project budgets, cost tracking, and ensuring optimal resource utilization.

Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge

1. Industry Standards and Certifications:
   • Familiarity with PCI DSS, EMVCo, and other compliance requirements.
   • Ensuring card systems meet audit and regulatory expectations (e.g., Central Bank guidelines).
2. Data Security and Privacy:
   • Understanding encryption, tokenization, and secure data handling to protect cardholder information.

Leadership and Communication

1. Team Leadership:
   • Leading cross-functional teams, including IT, business, and operations, to achieve project goals.
2. Effective Communication:
   • Documenting and presenting project status to senior management, ensuring transparency and alignment.
3. Training and Knowledge Transfer:
   • Coordinating training sessions for internal teams on new systems or updates in card processes.

Experience

1. Past Projects:
   • Proven track record of managing card-related projects such as:
     • Launching new card products (credit, debit, corporate cards).
     • Implementing or migrating to new Card Management Systems (CMS).
     • Managing card personalization vendor changes (e.g., New Card Perso USP).
2. Systems and Tools:
   • Experience with platforms like NI Core, ACP, CRM, and digital banking solutions.
   • Proficiency in tools for project management (e.g., MS Project, Jira) and data analysis (e.g., SQL).