Program Manager

Whale Cloud Technology; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm in Kuala Lumpur is looking for a Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of IT projects within financial services. The role demands extensive experience in managing projects within the insurance domain, and requires strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with advanced certifications preferred. This position offers a strategic opportunity to align IT initiatives with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of IT project/program management experience.
• At least 5 years in general or motor insurance domains.
• 3 years managing project managers.
• Strong understanding of SDLC methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of IT projects within financial services.
• Lead multi-project programs within insurance or fintech domains.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans covering timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Serve as primary point of contact for senior leadership.
• Identify, assess, and manage program-level risks.

Skills

IT project/program management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

PMP

PRINCE2

Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe, PMI-ACP)

ITIL Foundation

Job description

As the Program Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of IT projects within financial services, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Program Leadership & Governance: Lead multi-project programs within insurance or fintech domains; provide direction, support, and performance management to project managers; establish governance frameworks and reporting structures; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Planning & Delivery Management: Develop and maintain integrated program plans covering timelines, dependencies, resources, risks, and budgets; monitor project progress and drive corrective actions; coordinate cross-functional delivery teams; facilitate decision-making and escalation.

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary point of contact for senior leadership and sponsors; present program status, dashboards, financial updates, and risk assessments; build relationships with business units, operations, compliance, technology leads, and vendors.

Risk, Compliance & Quality Assurance: Identify, assess, and manage program-level risks, dependencies, and constraints; ensure deliverables adhere to internal policies, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory expectations; conduct program reviews, retrospectives, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Resource Management: Own program budget planning, forecasting, and cost control; optimize resource allocation across projects; support procurement and vendor management activities including contract negotiation and performance evaluation.
Skills & Requirements:

15+ years of IT project/program management experience with at least 5 years in general or motor insurance domains and 3 years managing project managers.

Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or related field; Master’s degree a plus.

Strong understanding of SDLC methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid) and financial systems.

Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity standards in financial services.

Certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe, PMI-ACP) or ITIL Foundation preferred.

Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.