Activation Program Management Lead

Citizens; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 123,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizens is seeking an Activation Program Management Lead to drive the execution engine for branch activations, including DeNovo and relocations. You will govern timelines, milestones, dependencies, and readiness across cross-functional teams to ensure on-time launches.

In this role, you will orchestrate end-to-end readiness, manage risks, and maintain single-source-of-truth data for all activation workstreams.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in program management, PMO leadership, or large-scale initiative execution.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs with multiple dependencies.
• Strong experience in governance design, risk management, and delivery tracking.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Stand up and manage the governance structure supporting activation (cadence, forums, decision tracking, escalation paths).
• Maintain a clear single source of truth for timelines, milestones, deliverables, and ownership.
• Drive structured operating rhythms to ensure visibility, accountability, and follow-through.
• Develop and manage integrated workplans across activation workstreams (operations, marketing, field readiness, community, etc.).
• Sequence activities, manage dependencies, and ensure alignment across teams for on-time delivery.
• Orchestrate readiness across functions leading into launch (milestones, dependencies, deliverables).
• Partner with Experience/Field Readiness and Activation leads for coordinated execution.
• Ensure readiness criteria are met prior to key milestones (pre-open, launch, ramp).
• Identify risks, gaps, and delivery issues; establish risk tracking and mitigation plans.

Skills

Program management

PMO leadership

Governance design

Risk management

Delivery tracking

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

Description

The Activation Program Management Lead is responsible for driving the execution engine of the Branch Activation Program (DeNovos and relocations). This role owns the governance, sequencing, and delivery discipline required to translate strategy into coordinated, on-time execution across all workstreams.

Acting as the central orchestrator of timelines, milestones, and dependencies, this role ensures that complex, cross-functional initiatives move forward with clarity, accountability, and urgency. The role is accountable for end-to‑end readiness orchestration—ensuring all functions are aligned, risks are mitigated, and launches are delivered successfully.

Primary responsibilities include

Program Governance & Operating Rhythm

• Stand up and manage the governance structure supporting activation (cadence, forums, decision tracking, escalation paths)

• Maintain a clear "single source of truth" for timelines, milestones, deliverables, and ownership

• Drive structured operating rhythms to ensure consistent visibility, accountability, and follow-through

Cross-Functional Sequencing & Delivery Orchestration

• Develop and manage integrated workplans across all activation workstreams (operations, marketing, field readiness, community, etc.)

• Sequence activities, manage dependencies, and ensure alignment across teams to enable on-time delivery

• Ensure clarity on "what needs to happen, by whom, and by when" across all initiatives

End-to-End Readiness Management

• Orchestrate readiness across all functions leading into launch (milestones, dependencies, deliverables)

• Partner with Experience/Field Readiness and Activation leads to ensure coordinated execution

• Confirm all readiness criteria are met prior to key milestones (pre-open, launch, ramp)

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

• Proactively identify risks, gaps, and potential delivery issues across workstreams

• Establish risk tracking and mitigation plans to protect delivery timelines and outcomes

• Drive issue escalation and resolution—ensuring blockers are surfaced early and addressed quickly

Logistics & Program Execution Support

• Oversee program logistics including timelines, deliverables tracking, and coordination across multiple initiatives

• Support execution of key program moments (launch milestones, cross-functional reviews, readiness checkpoints)

• Ensure operational discipline across all program activities

Measures of Success

• On-time, on-plan delivery of DeNovo and relocation activations

• Clear visibility into program status, risks, and milestones across all stakeholders

• Minimal execution friction due to strong coordination and proactive issue resolution

• High confidence from partners in program discipline, clarity, and follow-through

Qualifications, Education, Certifications and/or Other Professional Credentials

Required Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in program management, PMO leadership, or large-scale initiative execution

• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs with multiple dependencies

• Strong experience in governance design, risk management, and delivery tracking

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in retail banking, transformation programs, or multi-site rollout environments

• Background in branch operations, market launches, or field execution

• Familiarity with readiness planning and launch orchestration

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Execution-first mindset: Relentless focus on delivery, timelines, and outcomes

• Structured operator: Brings clarity, discipline, and repeatability to complex programs

• Proactive problem solver: Identifies issues early and drives resolution without waiting

• Connector: Aligns teams and maintains momentum across cross-functional partners

To thrive as a colleague at Citizens, candidates must demonstrate a strong customer-centric mindset, exhibit persistence and resilience in the face of challenges, and embrace continuous learning to adapt and grow in a dynamic environment.

Hours and Work Schedule: (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

Hours per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Work Location (s): Johnston, RI, Boston or Westwood, MA, Pittsburgh or Philly PA, Cleveland, OH, Southfield, MI, Newark, DE or NYC

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $123,000-$159,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens' paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .

Work Authorization:

This role is not eligible for new employer sponsored or current H-1 B visa holders. Applicants, including current OPT, L and other visa holders, must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for new employer sponsorship for themselves or their spouses now and in the future.

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without