VP/SVP, IT Project & Application Management, Asia Pacific

Responsible for leading Change-the-Bank initiatives and IT projects relating to critical business applications across APAC branches, primarily supporting Markets, Banking and downstream systems. Act as the key liaison between local business users, Head Office/Madrid, global technology teams and suppliers. Ensure effective project delivery, governance, risk management and senior stakeholder communication. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end delivery of key IT projects and Change-the-Bank initiatives across APAC.

• Manage and coordinate relationships with business stakeholders, Head Office/Madrid, global technology teams and suppliers.

• Establish appropriate project governance and provide regular project status, risk and management reporting.

• Proactively manage project risks, issues, dependencies and escalations to ensure timely resolution.

• Drive project planning, prioritisation, resource coordination and delivery against agreed timelines and objectives.

• Oversee release planning, UAT, go-live readiness, implementation and post-production support.

• Lead change management activities, including business communication, training and implementation readiness.

• Ensure projects comply with relevant IT governance, operational risk and internal control requirements.

• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams and drive effective collaboration across regional and global stakeholders.

• Support management in defining APAC technology priorities and identifying opportunities to improve systems and project delivery.

Basic Requirements

• University degree in IT, Computer Science, Business or related discipline.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in IT project/programme management or application management, preferably within banking or financial services.

• Proven experience managing complex, regional or cross-border technology projects.

• Strong stakeholder management, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Good understanding of banking applications and Corporate/Investment Banking business processes.

• Excellent written and spoken English; Spanish is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of Santander core banking applications and global technology environment would be an advantage