Program Manager – Colleague Tech & Operations Readiness (M&A Integration)(Mostly remote)

Calculated Hire is seeking a Program Manager with deep M&A integration experience to lead Colleague Technology & Operations Readiness for a large-scale banking conversion. The role involves overseeing multiple readiness workstreams and ensuring operational readiness prior to and following integration, while aligning cross-functional teams across IT, Operations, and the Integration Management Office.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end readiness efforts across Colleague Technology, Branch Operations, and Site Readiness workstreams
• Drive integration planning, readiness checkpoints, and cutover execution supporting M&A activities
• Partner closely with the Integration Management Office (IMO) to ensure scope alignment, milestone tracking, and issue escalation
• Coordinate status reporting, RAID log management, and leadership communications
• Manage deployment of colleague hardware (workstations, laptops), system access, and early-access validation
• Lead readiness testing through mock events and CRB operational testing
• Collaborate with Branch Ops and Cash teams to deliver go-live preparedness
• Coordinate workstream deliverables including:
• LD1 Ops Specialists alignment
• Site Visit Coordination & Communication
• CRB Operations (CML Credit Ops)
• Vendor Consolidations
• Internal/External Readiness Reporting
• Officer Code & Cost Center Assignments
• Branch Setup Change Form & Process execution
• Data Migrations (shared drives, financial files)
• Shipping Provider coordination
• Oversee Branch Site Surveys and readiness validation in partnership with field operations
• Manage Interior/Exterior Rebranding, Branch IT/Security, and Back Office Access timelines
• Ensure ATM/ITM systems, signage, and infrastructure are operational prior to conversion
• Track dependencies across Real Estate, Facilities, and Branch Technology
• Serve as the central coordination point between business units and technology teams during conversion
• Support change control, resource planning, and readiness cutover schedules
• Develop and maintain executive-level reporting to track readiness KPIs across all lines of business

Requirements:

• 10+ years of Program/Project Management experience in banking or financial services
• Proven experience managing M&A integrations within a bank or credit union setting (branch conversions, operational migrations, or systems integration)
• Strong knowledge of branch operations, colleague enablement, and technology readiness
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across executive and field leadership levels
• Exceptional organizational and change management capabilities
• Highly adaptable and comfortable in fast-moving, cross-functional integration environments
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at a tactical level
• Proficiency with enterprise tools such as ServiceNow PPM, Smartsheet, or Workday preferred
• PMP or equivalent certification a plus