Activation Program Management Lead

Citizens Financial Group•Johnston, RI

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Activation Program Management Lead drives execution of the Branch Activation Program for DeNovos and relocations. The role owns governance, sequencing, and delivery discipline to translate strategy into coordinated, on-time execution across workstreams. As the central orchestrator of timelines, milestones, and dependencies, the Lead brings clarity, accountability, and urgency to complex cross-functional initiatives and coordinates end-to-end readiness so functions are aligned, risks are mitigated, and launches are delivered successfully. The role establishes and manages activation governance, operating rhythms, integrated workplans, readiness coordination, and risk and issue management. It also oversees program logistics and supports key launch milestones, reviews, and readiness checkpoints. Success is measured by on-time, on-plan activations; clear visibility into status, risks, and milestones; minimal execution friction; and partner confidence in program discipline and follow-through. This position is based at one of the listed locations and follows a hybrid schedule of four days in the office and one day remote, Monday through Friday, for 40 hours per week. The salary range is $123,000–$159,000 per year, with an opportunity for an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay depends on factors including budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience. The role is not eligible for new employer sponsorship or current H-1B visa holders; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for new employer sponsorship for themselves or their spouses, now or in the future.

Requirements

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 and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Demonstrate a strong customer-centric mindset, persistence and resilience when facing challenges, and an embrace of continuous learning.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.
Execution-first mindset with relentless focus on delivery, timelines, and outcomes.
Structured operator who brings clarity, discipline, and repeatability to complex programs.
Proactive problem solver who identifies issues early and drives resolution.
Ability to connect teams and maintain momentum across cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

Establish and manage the governance structure for activation, including cadence, forums, decision tracking, and escalation paths.
Maintain a single source of truth for timelines, milestones, deliverables, and ownership.
Drive structured operating rhythms that provide visibility, accountability, and follow-through.
Develop and manage integrated workplans across activation workstreams, including operations, marketing, field readiness, and community.
Sequence activities, manage dependencies, and align teams to support on-time delivery.
Clarify what must happen, who is responsible, and when across initiatives.
Orchestrate readiness across functions leading up to launch, including milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
Partner with Experience/Field Readiness and Activation leads to coordinate execution.
Confirm readiness criteria are met before key milestones, including pre-open, launch, and ramp.
Identify risks, gaps, and potential delivery issues across workstreams; establish tracking and mitigation plans.
Escalate and resolve issues, ensuring blockers are surfaced early and addressed quickly.
Oversee program logistics, timelines, deliverable tracking, and coordination across multiple initiatives.
Support key program moments, including launch milestones, cross-functional reviews, and readiness checkpoints.
Ensure operational discipline across program activities.

Benefits

Competitive pay and an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
Retirement benefits.
Maternity and paternity leave.
Flexible work arrangements.
Education reimbursement.
Wellness programs.
Paid time off policy that exceeds mandatory paid sick or paid time-away policies in every U.S. local and state jurisdiction.