Senior Manager - Strategic Initiative Implementation

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Manager for Strategic Initiative Implementation. The role involves leading cross-functional teams to execute critical strategic initiatives, driving performance through analytics and project management. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in banking strategy development, strong leadership, and a proven ability to translate insights into actionable strategies. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the bank's competitive edge and ensuring alignment with its vision.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategy development & tracking within banking.
• Strong track record of applying advanced analytics to drive strategic goals.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights to influence teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of strategic initiatives and manage complete project lifecycles.
• Develop and implement strategies that align with business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Strategic influence

Market research

Education

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Management accounting (ACMA / CMA / CPA)

Job description

Senior Manager - Strategic Initiative Implementation

United Arab Emirates

Job Description

Role : Senior Manager- Strategic Initiative Implementation
Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose: Senior Manager of Strategic Initiative Implementation bridges the gap between high‑level strategy and day‑to‑day action, leading cross‑functional teams to execute major projects (such as new market entry, digital transformation) by setting goals (OKRs/KPIs), solving problems, and ensuring alignment with company vision. This role requires strong leadership, analytical, and project management skills to drive results. Translate complex data into clear decisions and actions that drive measurable outcomes, influencing cross‑functional teams across product, marketing, compliance, and technology. Drive results through strong leadership, analytical and project management skills. Play a pivotal role within ADIB’s strategy team, closely working with stakeholders to deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen the bank’s competitive edge and future readiness. Represent ADIB in external forums and regulatory engagements, including with the Central Bank, to co‑create market‑first initiatives.

Key Accountabilities of the role

• To lead the effective adoption and execution of critical strategic initiatives, driving transformative change by aligning cross‑functional teams, leveraging data for informed decisions, and managing complete project lifecycles.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable roadmaps, defining roles and responsibilities for teams. Establish clear and measurable goals and constant reviews that define the successful delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Accountable for development, implementation and monitoring of all models and strategic deliverables. Set up regular reviews to track KPIs and adjust plans based on real‑time data.
• Deliver business and strategy performance update presentations and conduct Monthly Retail Strategy Update sessions with senior management to update on progress, results and risks involved.
• Perform market and competition research and update business with latest market updates, competition performance, launches and product/offers.
• Address obstacles, resolve conflicts, and adapt strategies to changing market conditions or internal challenges.
• Lead and support strategic initiatives on behalf of Retail Banking on process enhancements, client experience, productivity and cost efficiency.
• Spearhead strategic projects from concept to completion, managing budgets, timelines and deliverables.
• Maintain agility and adaptability by being flexible to pivot plans when conditions change.
• Anticipate future trends and prepare for emerging risks.
• Collaborate with leadership and diverse teams (Sales, Marketing, Operations) to ensure buy‑in and effective execution.
• Strategic Influence: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, shaping the bank’s strategy through data‑driven insights and foresight.
• Visionary Thinking: Anticipate future trends in retail banking and proactively position ADIB to lead in innovation and customer experience.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of ownership, agility, and continuous learning.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Lead cross‑departmental initiatives, aligning analytics with product, marketing, compliance, and technology teams.
• Change Agent: Drive organizational change by embedding analytics into decision‑making processes and championing a data‑first mindset across the bank.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Deep understanding of the UAE Banking Sector, with expertise in Retail Banking products, processes, portfolio, customer behaviours and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven expertise in Project Management, including advanced Agile and Iterative techniques to drive strategic initiatives and goals.
• Strong ability to define the strategy roadmap and drive organizational alignment.
• Proficiency in performance management, optimisation and efficiency improvement journeys.
• Experience in market study including research, market size, competitors, products, offerings and macroeconomic indicators.
• Ability to translate data and business insights into strategic business recommendations, influencing senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and data‑first thinking, enabling impactful analytics within an integrated operating model.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Qualified Project Management Professional (PMP) with Management accounting (ACMA / CMA / CPA)
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in strategy development & tracking, business planning and program management in the banking industry.
  • Strong track record of applying advanced analytics, financial modelling and process improvement to drive strategic goals in retail banking.
  • Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams and translate data into commercial impact through actionable insights and optimisation.
  • Familiarity with UAE banking regulations, risk frameworks and data governance principles.
  • Strategic thinking ability to connect daily tasks to the bigger organisational picture.
  • Essential Project Management skills like organising, planning and executing complex initiatives.
  • Ability to influence teams, present to executives and disseminate information.

Job Info

• Job Identification 3951
• Posting Date 02/15/2026, 05:43 PM
• Apply Before 03/15/2026, 05:42 PM
• Locations: Abu Dhabi, Al Rowdah, Shk Rashid Bin Saeed St. 313 ADIB New Headquarters Branch, Sh. Zayed Main Branch Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, AE