Project Manager

Botsford Associates; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead critical initiatives within the Global Payments Strategy and Modernization program. This role will focus on the implementation of ISO 20022 standards and the modernization of payment systems, ensuring compliance with global regulations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive project management experience in banking or payments, with a strong understanding of SWIFT messaging and capital markets. Join a dynamic team and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance payment processing on a global scale. This is a fantastic opportunity for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the financial sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management, particularly in banking or payments.
• Strong understanding of ISO 20022 and SWIFT messaging systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of ISO 20022 standards and payment system upgrades.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance.

Skills

Project Management

ISO 20022 Migration

SWIFT Messaging

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Agile Methodology

Waterfall Methodology

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

PMP Certification

PRINCE2 Certification

Agile Certification

Tools

MS Project

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Position Overview:

The Project Manager will oversee key workstreams within the Global Payments Strategy and Modernization program, ensuring the successful implementation of ISO 20022 standards, SWIFT messaging transformations, and payment system upgrades. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payments processing, capital markets trade confirmations, and regulatory compliance at a global level.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Key Responsibilities:

Project Execution & Delivery

• Support the implementation of ISO 20022 migration and MT to MX messaging transitions, ensuring seamless integration across payment networks.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and resources to ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee workstreams related to global payments strategy, trade messaging enhancements, and operational process improvements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to track progress, resolve issues, and escalate risks as needed.

Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination

• Work closely with internal stakeholders across Global Payments, Capital Markets, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and Operations to gather requirements and execute project plans.
• Liaise with external partners, payment vendors, and regulatory bodies (e.g., SWIFT, CLS, RTGS providers, and central banks) to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Facilitate discussions with teams across different business units to ensure smooth adoption of payment modernization initiatives.

Risk & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure compliance with ISO 20022 regulations and global payment messaging standards.
• Identify potential risks in payments processing, SWIFT messaging workflows, and transaction settlements, developing mitigation strategies accordingly.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintain reporting to track project health.

Process Optimization & Change Management

• Assist in change management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption of new payment technologies and operational processes across global teams.
• Support process improvements within the end-to-end payments lifecycle, SWIFT messaging, and trade confirmation systems.
• Contribute to training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support internal teams with the ISO 20022 transition.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain project documentation, including timelines, risk logs, and stakeholder reports.
• Provide regular project status updates to leadership, ensuring visibility on milestones and challenges.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5+ years of project management experience, preferably in banking, payments, or capital markets.
• Experience working on ISO 20022 migration, SWIFT messaging (MT to MX), or payments modernization projects.
• Understanding of global payments infrastructure, including clearing and settlement networks (ACH, RTGS, CLS, Fedwire, CHIPS, etc.).
• Strong familiarity with regulatory reporting and compliance related to payments.
• Experience managing projects using Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with proficiency in MS Project, JIRA, Confluence, or similar tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across business and technology teams.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certifications are a plus.