SENIOR PMO Banking & Financial Services

Assignment Context

FORFIRM is currently seeking a Senior PMO profile to be deployed on a client engagement within the Swiss banking sector. The resource will be embedded within the client's IT function, working alongside internal teams to strengthen project governance and ensure effective delivery across a complex, multi-initiative portfolio.

Role Overview

The Senior PMO will take ownership of the client's project management framework and act as the primary reference point for methodology, standards and portfolio control. The assignment requires someone who can operate autonomously from day one, integrate quickly into a structured banking environment, and add immediate value at both operational and governance level.

Key Deliverables

Governance & Methodology

• Maintain and evolve the PM framework, standards and templates in use across the client organisation.
• Ensure full lifecycle consistency across all active projects, from initiation through closure.
• Drive adoption of PM best practices across internal project teams.

Portfolio Management

• Own the monitoring of the project portfolio across scope, schedule, budget, risks and dependencies.
• Deliver regular, decision-ready reporting to senior management and Board level.
• Manage escalation processes and change control, ensuring full traceability.

Team Support

• Coach and support internal project managers on planning, resourcing and execution.
• Facilitate lessons learned sessions and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Required Profile

Experience

• 8–10 years in PMO, Program Management or Senior PM roles within banking or financial services.
• Direct experience designing and operating PM frameworks in regulated banking environments.
• Familiarity with FINMA requirements and Swiss banking governance standards.
• Track record on complex portfolios combining ICT delivery and organisational change.
• Used to working in hybrid team settings (internal staff + external consultants).

Technical Skills

• Proficient with PPM and PM tools: MS Project, Jira, Confluence, ServiceNow PPM or equivalent.
• Solid methodology background across waterfall, agile and hybrid approaches.
• Able to build and present Board-level portfolio reporting autonomously.

Qualifications

• Degree in Economics, Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• PM certification mandatory (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent).
• Agile or IT Audit certifications are a plus.

Languages

• Italian and English: mandatory
• German and/or French: strong advantage.