Operations Planning and Execution - Sr Program Manager - User Acceptance Testing

Golden 1 Talent Acquisition Team; Manlove (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden 1 Credit Union is seeking a Sr Program Manager - User Acceptance Testing to lead the enterprise UAT strategy, governance, and maturity. You will translate priorities into a clear roadmap and drive adoption across business units, influencing senior leaders and coordinating with technology, risk, compliance, and audit.

You are a senior leader who coaches others, uses performance data to measure success, and ensures readiness for complex testing initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in program management, business analysis, business transformation, process improvement, business testing and validation, quality management, product management, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in UAT principles, testing methodologies, requirements validation, traceability, defect lifecycle management, business readiness, governance, and risk-based decision-making.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional or enterprise initiatives involving governance, operating model development, organizational change, stakeholder engagement, or business capability development.
• Experience developing, implementing, or maturing testing and validation practices within technology, operational, process, regulatory, or business transformation initiatives.
• Experience influencing senior leaders, presenting strategic recommendations, resolving complex stakeholder issues, and using metrics and analysis to drive decisions and continuous improvement.
• Experience establishing, governing, or maturing an enterprise UAT framework, testing program, quality practice, or operational governance model preferred.
• Experience providing functional leadership, coaching, or mentoring to Program Managers, analysts, testing leads, or cross-functional project resources; experience with requirements management, test management, workflow, or governance platforms preferred.
• Experience within financial services, regulated industries, or complex operational environments; experience supporting audit, compliance, or operational risk activities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains enterprise UAT strategy, framework, and governance with long-term vision and roadmaps.
• Leads adoption of UAT standards across business units and major initiatives; coaches UAT teams.
• Sets direction for UAT tools, metrics, risk, and performance management; oversees governance and quality controls.
• Advises senior leaders on testing strategy, readiness, and governance decisions; supports audit and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Program management experience

UAT principles

Cross-functional leadership

Metrics and analytics

Governance and risk management

Coaching and mentoring

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration / Information Systems / Organizational Leadership / Project Management / Operations Management

Job description

Job Title: Sr Program Manager - User Acceptance Testing

Status: Exempt

Reports to: Sr Manager - Portfolio Planning and Execution

Department: Operations Planning and Execution

Job Code: 12124

Pay Range: $85,100.00 - $95,000.00 Annually

Location:

WHO WE ARE:

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of "people helping people." We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are a senior strategic program leader who establishes enterprise direction, governance, and accountability for User Acceptance Testing while translating organizational priorities into a clear roadmap and measurable outcomes. You are an influential advisor who builds alignment among business, technology, risk, compliance, audit, and project delivery leaders and communicates complex testing and readiness matters clearly to senior management. You are a capability builder who coaches others, leads through influence, and uses performance data, lessons learned, stakeholder feedback, and industry practices to strengthen UAT maturity, manage implementation risk, and increase enterprise adoption.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Enterprise UAT Strategy, Framework & Governance Establishes and maintains the long-term vision, strategic roadmap, operating model, and maturity goals for the organization's UAT capability. Leads the design, implementation, governance, and continuous refinement of enterprise UAT standards, methodologies, processes, controls, and decision rights. Oversees UAT policies, procedures, templates, job aids, and supporting documentation to ensure they remain scalable, practical, and aligned with organizational needs. Establishes governance practices that support requirements traceability, testing quality, business sign-off, compliance, audit readiness, and clear accountability. Serves as the senior enterprise subject matter expert and escalation point for UAT governance, business validation, operational readiness, and complex testing challenges.
• Enterprise Leadership, Adoption & Capability Development Leads enterprise initiatives that advance testing maturity and drive consistent adoption of UAT standards across business units and major initiatives. Provides functional leadership, coaching, and mentoring to UAT Program Managers, analysts, project teams, and business testing participants. Leads executive and stakeholder communication, organizational change, and adoption efforts related to UAT processes, governance, tools, and operating model improvements. Builds organizational testing competency through training, communities of practice, reusable resources, and best-practice guidance.
• Tooling, Metrics, Risk & Performance Management Sets strategic direction for the implementation, optimization, governance, and continuous improvement of UAT tools and supporting platforms. Establishes enterprise success measures, maturity indicators, risk measures, and executive reporting used to evaluate UAT effectiveness, adoption, and readiness. Evaluates adherence to UAT standards and identifies material gaps in testing quality, traceability, business readiness, or governance for escalation and resolution. Prioritizes and leads the UAT enhancement roadmap based on organizational objectives, performance trends, stakeholder needs, risk, and business value.
• Executive Partnership, Continuous Improvement & Compliance Advises senior leaders and partners with business, technology, risk, compliance, audit, and project delivery teams on testing strategy, readiness, risks, and governance decisions. Uses performance data, lessons learned, stakeholder feedback, industry trends, and root-cause analysis to recommend and lead improvements to the enterprise UAT capability. Maintains a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance, including Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws appropriate to the position. Performs any other duties or special requests assigned.

QUALIFICIATIONS AND PREFERENCES:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field required
• 7+ years of progressive experience in program management, business analysis, business transformation, process improvement, business testing and validation, quality management, product management, or related disciplines required
• Demonstrated expertise in UAT principles, testing methodologies, requirements validation, traceability, defect lifecycle management, business readiness, governance, and risk-based decision-making required
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional or enterprise initiatives involving governance, operating model development, organizational change, stakeholder engagement, or business capability development required
• Experience developing, implementing, or maturing testing and validation practices within technology, operational, process, regulatory, or business transformation initiatives required
• Experience influencing senior leaders, presenting strategic recommendations, resolving complex stakeholder issues, and using metrics and analysis to drive decisions and continuous improvement required
• Experience establishing, governing, or maturing an enterprise UAT framework, testing program, quality practice, or operational governance model preferred
• Experience providing functional leadership, coaching, or mentoring to Program Managers, analysts, testing leads, or cross-functional project resources; experience with requirements management, test management, workflow, or governance platforms preferred
• Experience within financial services, regulated industries, or complex operational environments; experience supporting audit, compliance, or operational risk activities preferred

WHY JOIN US:

Golden 1 Credit Union provides its employees a market-competitive and internally equitable total rewards compensation package through a variety of programs. These programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees that drive and support the achievement of Our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals. The Credit Union is committed a total rewards philosophy built on; a comprehensive compensation package, well-being and work-life balance, career development and growth, rewards and recognition, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is recognized, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.

DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.

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