Program Manager (contract)

Title: Program Manager Location: 800 S Jordan Creek Pkwy West Des Moines, IA Duration: 6 months Work Engagement: W-2 Work Schedule: 3 days in office/2 days remote Benefits on offer for this contract position: Health Insurance, Life insurance, 401K and Voluntary Benefits Summary: We are seeking an experienced program leader to drive the planning, execution, and implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives within Unsecured Lending Operations. This individual will bring structure to complex efforts, coordinate work across multiple teams, and ensure initiatives move from concept through delivery while maintaining visibility into risks, dependencies, milestones, and business outcomes. The ideal candidate excels in ambiguous environments, can quickly establish priorities and execution frameworks, and has a proven track record of leading large-scale programs that require coordination across business, technology, operations, risk, and control functions. This is a highly hands-on role focused on driving execution, accountability, decision-making, and successful implementation across the Unsecured Lending organization. Responsibilities: Lead strategic initiatives within Unsecured Lending Operations from planning through implementation.Create and manage project plans, milestones, dependencies, governance, and reporting.Drive execution across multiple workstreams while coordinating business, operations, technology, and risk partners.Facilitate working sessions, resolve roadblocks, and ensure accountability for deliverables.Identify risks, dependencies, and operational impacts, and develop mitigation plans.Support testing, operational readiness, deployment, and transition activities.Deliver clear, concise updates to leadership on progress, risks, and key decisions.Establish scalable processes, governance practices, and execution frameworks that support future initiatives. Qualifications: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.7+ years of program management, business execution, transformation, implementation, or operational leadership experience.Proven success leading complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.Experience driving execution and influencing outcomes without direct management authority.Strong project planning, risk management, issue resolution, and governance skills.Experience partnering across Operations and Technology organizations.Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills.Ability to organize ambiguity, establish structure, and deliver measurable business results.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational capabilities.Experience in banking, consumer lending, credit card, financial services, or other regulated environments. (preferred)Knowledge of Unsecured Lending Operations, Loan Servicing, Fulfillment, Collections, or related functions. (preferred)Experience supporting technology implementations, automation initiatives, AI-enabled solutions, or operational transformation programs. (preferred)Familiarity with operational readiness, controls, risk management, and process improvement methodologies.