Business Initiatives Manager - Innovation Leadership Program (iLead)

Western Alliance Bank•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

This development program helps participants strengthen their business acumen, build practical credit skills, and develop an innovation‑focused mindset. Participants will gain a strong grounding in credit fundamentals, enhanced through a targeted development track that strengthens their credit expertise and prepares them to lead with insight and innovation. Training will also incorporate process optimization concepts, emerging uses of AI, and the essentials of change management to support well‑rounded, strategic decision‑making. Throughout the program, they will work on high‑impact projects that shape the future of Western Alliance Bank, accelerate their careers as innovation leaders, expand their professional networks, and engage closely with senior executives across the enterprise. Specialized Mortgage Services & EPMO The Specialist Mortgage Service Group provides financing solutions to independent mortgage bankers through a combination of innovative products, tailored services, and strong risk management discipline. As the business continues to grow, new opportunities are emerging that require coordinated planning, research, execution, and cross functional leadership. The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) partners with business leaders to execute strategic initiatives that align with organizational priorities and support long-term growth. The EPMO ensures projects are well-structured, governed, and executed with discipline—delivering measurable results, strong controls, and organizational alignment. Track Overview The Specialized Mortgage Services & EPMO track will give the iLead participant hands-on experience leading strategic initiatives, performing market research, designing business cases, and supporting the launch of new products and capabilities. A key initiative in this track will be supporting the launch of an International Banking initiative—an opportunity reviewed with executive leadership and identified as strategically important to future growth. The iLead participant will assist in evaluating market opportunities, creating project plans, developing budgets and forecasts in partnership with FP&A, and helping establish the policies and procedures necessary to ensure strong risk management. This track provides meaningful exposure to strategic project execution, cross functional collaboration, and business development within a high growth banking vertical. This is an eighteen-month program that serves as a pathway into a long‑term career with Western Alliance Bank. After 12 months, participants may be considered for full‐time opportunities, contingent on performance and supported by our Talent team through the application and selection process.

Requirements

MBA or master's degree in a related field completed within the last three years and before the start of the program.
Two to five years of related experience in financial services, project management, strategy, operations, data analysis, risk management, or client‑facing leadership roles.
Demonstrated history of acting as a change agent and taking initiative.
Desire to innovate, disrupt, and improve.
Entrepreneurial mindset.
Demonstrated leadership, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel) and other presentation tools.
Ability to work both independently and on cross functional teams.
Comfortable working in a rapidly changing environment.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse stakeholders.
Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to evaluate new business opportunities.
Knowledge of—or interest in learning—project and portfolio management methodologies.
Ability to develop project plans, financial forecasts, and business cases.
Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort with ambiguity.
Interest in banking products, international finance, and risk‑managed growth strategies.

Responsibilities

Leading strategic initiatives
Performing market research
Designing business cases
Supporting the launch of new products and capabilities
Evaluating market opportunities
Creating project plans
Developing budgets and forecasts in partnership with FP&A
Helping establish the policies and procedures necessary to ensure strong risk management