Lead Program Manager - NBFC

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly driven and execution-focused Lead Program Manager to handle multiple strategic programs and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced NBFC startup environment.

This role requires a strong blend of program execution, stakeholder management, process governance, operational rigor, and people leadership.

The ideal candidate should be capable of independently driving large programs/streams end-to-end while also mentoring junior program managers managing parallel workstreams.

This is a high-impact role requiring collaboration across business, operations, product, technology, risk, compliance, and leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program & Delivery Management:

- Independently lead and execute multiple strategic programs/workstreams with complete ownership.

- Define program plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, and execution frameworks.

- Ensure delivery within committed timelines, scope, and quality benchmarks.

- Drive execution rigor across cross-functional teams in a fast-moving startup environment.

- Track progress through structured governance mechanisms and periodic reviews.

2. Team Leadership & Mentorship:

- Mentor and oversee junior program managers managing independent streams.

- Provide guidance, prioritization support, escalation handling, and execution coaching.

- Build accountability and execution discipline across the program management team.

3. Process Excellence & Governance:

- Design, implement, and optimize scalable operational and execution processes.

- Establish governance frameworks, reporting cadences, and review mechanisms.

- Continuously identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.

4. Stakeholder & Escalation Management:

- Manage senior leadership stakeholders with confidence, clarity, and professionalism.

- Drive alignment across business, product, operations, risk, compliance, and technology teams.

- Proactively identify risks and manage escalations with structured problem-solving approaches.

- Be assertive in handling scope creep while balancing business priorities and delivery commitments.

5. Agile & Cross-functional Execution:

- Run Scrum ceremonies, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and execution governance calls.

- Coordinate across multiple teams to unblock dependencies and ensure execution continuity.

- Operate effectively in chaotic or ambiguous situations while maintaining delivery focus.

6. Ownership & Operational Excellence:

- Demonstrate strong ownership mindset and bias for action.

- Be willing to work hands-on and contribute at ground level when required.

- Thrive in startup environments with evolving priorities and rapid execution cycles.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- 7-9 years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, or PMO roles.

- Strong experience managing complex cross-functional programs independently.

- Proven ability to mentor and manage junior program managers.

- Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.

- Strong escalation management and conflict resolution capabilities.

- Experience in Agile/Scrum methodologies and execution frameworks.

- Ability to manage ambiguity, shifting priorities, and high-pressure delivery environments.

- Strong analytical, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.

- Demonstrated ownership mindset and accountability.

- Assertive yet collaborative working style.

Domain Preference:

- Prior experience or understanding of the NBFC, FinTech, Lending, Financial Services, or Banking domain is a plus.

- Familiarity with operational processes, risk/compliance coordination, or lending ecosystems will be an advantage.