Activation Program Management Lead

Saved 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  http[local path removed]

  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 regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.