Project Director - Core Banking Transformation - Banking - CDI/Freelance

Context

An international bank in Luxembourg is launching a major IT transformation programme: implementation of a new Core Banking System, a new regulatory reporting tool, and integration of head-office systems with the local IT landscape. The bank is looking for a results-driven Project Director to lead this programme end to end, combining fast, hands-on delivery with rigorous governance towards local management, the group and head office. Reporting to the Head of IT Luxembourg, with governance lines to the regional CIO and the local COO. Mission of 12 to 18 months.

Missions

• Lead the programme end to end: Core Banking System implementation, regulatory reporting tool, integration with head-office systems

• Set up and run the governance: steering committees and operational committees, RACI across internal teams and vendors, master schedule, KPIs and gate reviews

• Manage the budget: rolling monthly Capex/Opex forecasts, budget tracking, risk and issue registers

• Co-design the implementation, migration and cutover approach with business and operations teams

• Oversee data migration, data cleansing and reconciliation

• Define and supervise the testing strategy, including UAT entry/exit criteria and sign-off

• Plan and lead the cutover (war room, go-live weekends, rollback procedures) and the hypercare

• Manage multiple vendors: contracts, SLAs, deliverables

• Drive change management: target operating model, process redesign, training, post-go-live support

• Produce materials for executive meetings and regulator (CSSF) presentations, and reporting for head office

Environment

• Core banking system, regulatory reporting tool, legacy and next-generation architectures, interfaces with head-office systems

• Data migration (ETL), data cleansing, automated reconciliation

• EU banking regulation and security requirements, CSSF

• Large, matrixed, multi-vendor teams: architects, analysts, developers, project managers

• Agile, traditional and hybrid project methodologies

Working Conditions

• Contract: Freelance, CDI or CDD: we will find a solution as long as you are the right candidate

• Location: Luxembourg, on site (no remote work)

• We are looking for people ready to relocate and work in Luxembourg

• Salary / daily rate: depending on profile

• Duration: 12 to 18 months

• Languages: English (working language); French is a plus

1. 15+ years of experience delivering high-impact transformation programmes in banks (budgets around EUR 5-10 million)
2. Proven track record on core banking and/or regulatory reporting implementations, including migration from legacy systems to new platforms
3. Strong expertise in data migration and reconciliation, testing strategy and cutover planning
4. Solid PMO governance and budget management (Capex/Opex, milestone-based tracking)
5. Experience managing multiple vendors and contracts
6. Executive presence: able to engage senior management, control functions, head office and the regulator, and to stay calm and decisive under pressure
7. Change management experience; AI fluency is a plus
8. Fluent English; French is a plus
9. Ready to relocate and work on site in Luxembourg