Program Implementation Manager Core Insurance System - Slovakia

What does this job entail? ČSOB Insurance, KBC’s insurance company in Slovakia, is embarking on a major transformation: the replacement of its core insurance system. As Program Manager, you will lead this strategic program, which is expected to run for approximately five years and represents an investment of more than EUR 30 million.

The new system will become the heart of the IT landscape, supporting critical processes such as underwriting, policy administration, claims management, billing, and collections. Its impact will extend well beyond operational insurance processes, empowering finance, data management, and customer experience. Therefore this is not a traditional IT project, but a business-critical transformation that will shape the future operations and growth of ČSOB Insurance.

You will work for ČSOB Insurance and report to the CEO. At the same time, you will be part of an international KBC team that supports the banks and insurance companies of KBC’s International Markets Business Unit. For this role, you will work at least 80% of your time in Bratislava.

As the specific solution for the future core system will soon be decided, and the program is about to be started, a swift onboarding is highly desirable.

What do we expect from you?

• You take overall accountability for the program and ensure objectives, scope, timeline, budget, and quality are met.
• Together with the management of ČSOB Insurance and the local project team, you further develop and refine the program approach.
• You align CSOB’s business, IT, senior management, external experts, and technology partners around clear objectives and commitments.
• You define and drive a realistic delivery roadmap, ensuring alignment across the different workstreams.
• You anticipate risks and issues early, driving timely escalation and decision-making where needed.
• You oversee a program budget of more than EUR 30 million and ensure delivery stays within agreed financial and organizational parameters.
• You deliver clear and transparent reporting on progress, risks, budget performance, and key challenges to senior management.
• You put in place effective governance and steer the program from implementation through successful delivery.
• You build strong collaboration and commitment among CSOB teams, KBC colleagues, and external partners, even when priorities or interests diverge.

Your key strengths?

• You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree and bring over ten years of experience leading large-scale IT programs within the financial services industry.
• Experience in leading large-scale transformation programs within the insurance sector is considered a significant advantage.
• You have a strong track record of delivering complex programs while effectively managing scope, risk, budget, quality, and timelines.
• You engage confidently with senior leaders, business stakeholders, and IT teams, aligning diverse interests around shared objectives.
• You balance strategic vision with hands-on pragmatism, enabling you to step in and redirect efforts when required.
• You communicate with clarity and conviction in English, whether showcasing successes or discussing risks and challenging decisions.
• You lead with clear direction and purpose while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and motivating environment for employees, experts, and partners.
• You thrive in an international, multicultural environment and are willing to make a long-term commitment to this program, seeing it through from implementation to successful delivery.

What can we offer you?

• A unique opportunity to lead a once-in-a-generation transformation within the insurance industry.
• Full end-to-end ownership of a program with substantial strategic and operational significance.
• Close collaboration with and direct exposure to the senior leadership of ČSOB Insurance and KBC’s International Markets Business Unit.
• A diverse role that involves close collaboration with colleagues, experts, and stakeholders across multiple countries and functions.
• A chance to play a pivotal role in advancing the digitalization, efficiency, and future growth of ČSOB Insurance in Slovakia.