Abdulhafit Yusuf
Oakville,ON
Summary
Experienced Project and Program Manager with over 10 years of expertise in managing the full lifecycle of projects within the banking and financial services sector. Proven track record in overseeing large-scale projects, driving execution, and ensuring alignment between technology solutions and business objectives. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, improving project delivery processes, and implementing best practices to boost efficiency and performance. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing resources, and ensuring successful delivery within scope, on time, and on budget. Seeking a leadership role to leverage project management experience to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to organizational success
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project / Portfolio Manager
Ajman Bank
07.2023 - Current
- I strategically oversee the Projects delivery and support of critical banking applications (both on-premises and cloud-based)
- These applications encompass Core Banking, Card Management System, Treasury, Trade Finance, Internet and Digital Banking, Payment Gateway, AML, SWIFT
- Leading the strategic delivery of all projects and system enhancements, including vendor selection, RFP preparation, vendor evaluation and scoring, negotiation of vendor and contract terms, and technical integration of vendor solutions within the bank's IT landscape
- I conduct solution research and implement innovative products to drive efficiency and cost reductions
- Responsible for strategic business relationship management and establishing various steering committees for different projects and business verticals
- Serving as a key member of multiple projects steering committees and acting as the Member and Secretary of the Technology Steering Committee
- Managing all IT banking requirements for local government, including Host to Host integrations and direct real-time ERP integration with the bank for payments, payroll, and pensions
- Managing and leading a large team of professionals across various IT functions, ensuring effective project delivery services
- Achieved more than 99% availability of all critical business applications
- Achieved zero impact to the bank adhering to the central bank Mandates for all Central bank systems as well as swift, Vias and Mastercard Mandates
- Forming Cloud migrations Strategy of the Bank includes migration of existing applications, revamping as SaaS or PaaS, retaining few on-premises
- Forming Technology Strategy for 2024, including Digital transformation projects, Automation and Zero operation initiatives, Branch Transformation, Digital Branch Etc
- Conducting bank comprehensive budget exercise including technology upgrades, new business solutions, resource capacity and planning for new transformation projects as well
- Successful implementation of following Projects : Intellect Treasury Solution, Corporate Credit Cards, Payment Monitoring, Oracle FCCM for Customer Due Diligence, Transaction Monitoring Omni AML, Jawan card Scheme, loan origination system, Host to Host, Escrow Management system, Archer GRC system
Senior PM, Head of Operations
International Payment Services
07.2017 - 01.2023
- I managed complex, end-to-end issuance projects for various banks, incorporating MasterCard, Visa, Debit, Prepaid, ATM, POS, and ECommerce platforms
- Implemented the Smartvista switch platform end-to-end, including certification with MasterCard and Visa for issuing, acquiring, and e-commerce
- Planned, sourced, and vetted solutions, working cross-functionally with project teams to design optimal solutions that met client needs
- Established the vision and roadmap for team processes, while maintaining high-quality performance and adherence to policies and compliance
- Negotiated and managed service contract efforts with partners, optimizing expenditures and streamlining resources
- Identified opportunities to increase operational efficiency, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to implement innovative business operation solutions
- Defined, tracked, and analyzed KPIs, reviewing performance, eliminating discrepancies, and driving project output
- Initiated and supervised employee and management mentorship programs, recruitment, and coaching processes, enhancing performance and quality targets
- Developed and managed project scope, schedule, cost, quality, changes, dependencies, issues, and risks, ensuring successful project outcomes
- Established a card processing center from scratch, including obtaining necessary licensing, building infrastructure, and implementing operational frameworks to support card issuance and processing
- Successfully managed end-to-end issuance and acquiring projects, incorporating MasterCard, Visa, Debit, Prepaid, ATM, POS, and ECommerce platforms at International Payment Services in Bahrain
- Hired and trained the entire team for Projects and Operations, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality project outcomes and maintain efficient operations
- Launched the first products in various lines of business and created comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training programs to ensure smooth implementation and consistent operational practices
- Successful implementation of following Projects: End to End implementation of Card Switch, Implementation of MC & Visa Endpoints, MC and Visa Issuing: Debit card, Prepaid, MC and Visa Acquiring: ATM, POS, E-Comm, Card Scheme as part of CB Regulations, Payment Gateway Implantation for MC & Visa, 3DS 2.0 Implementation for Visa and MC, PCI DSS Certification
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within budget and timeline constraints.
IT Project Manager
Safarifone
01.2014 - 06.2017
- Led project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing for small to mega projects, ensuring they meet goals, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations efficiently and effectively
- Set up new data centers, utilizing the latest technologies like HP, EMC, and VMware to enhance performance, security, and scalability for organizational needs
- Managed the successful migration of over 500 servers to a new, state-of-the-art Tier 4 data center, overseeing and coordinating a large, diverse team
- Guided the implementation and completion of IT projects in mobile money, digital wallets, and online banking solutions, focusing on innovative, user-friendly technology
- Led projects introducing cutting-edge technologies like mobile money platforms and digital wallets, ensuring seamless integration, high user satisfaction, and minimal disruptions
- Collaborated with diverse teams and stakeholders to define clear project goals, develop comprehensive plans, and ensure alignment with strategic business objectives
- Ensured all projects followed best practices and industry standards, continuously improving processes, quality, and outcomes through meticulous planning and execution
- Maintained clear communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates, managing risks proactively, and fostering strong relationships with vendors and other key partners
- Regularly reviewed projects to track progress, assess resource allocation, and maintain budget and schedule control, ensuring successful project delivery
- Handled project changes and scope adjustments, ensuring smooth management, minimal impact, and alignment with overall project objectives and stakeholder expectations
- Coordinated with teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, promptly addressing any arising issues
- Followed PMO processes and standards diligently, participating in regular audits, and implementing necessary improvements to enhance overall project quality and efficiency
Education
BSc - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Benadir University
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Essex
10.2024
Skills
- Project Management
- Program Management
- Portfolio Management
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership
- Presentation Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Agile Methodology
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- PRINCE 2 Foundation and Practitioner
- Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
Languages
English
Full Professional
Residency
Permanent Resident of Canada
Summaryofcapabilities
Strategic Leadership : Extensive experience managing the full lifecycle of large-scale IT projects, including system development, architecture review, and application evaluation. Proven ability to align technology initiatives with business goals to drive value and enhance performance.
Program Management Expertise : Skilled in overseeing complete project lifecycles, from initial planning and requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance. Adept at managing diverse project teams using Agile and Scrum methodologies, ensuring smooth coordination across departments.
Process Improvement & Innovation: Strong track record of driving operational improvements and fostering innovation in IT service delivery. Expertise in creating technology roadmaps that support business transformation and enhance efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership : Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams. Skilled in fostering collaboration, managing expectations, and guiding teams toward shared objectives.
Team Communication & Reporting : Proficient in delivering clear, concise communication to senior management, ensuring transparency in project progress. Skilled at producing high-quality reports and presentations to keep stakeholders well-informed.
Timeline
Project / Portfolio Manager
Ajman Bank
07.2023 - Current
Senior PM, Head of Operations
International Payment Services
07.2017 - 01.2023
IT Project Manager
Safarifone
01.2014 - 06.2017
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Essex
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- PRINCE 2 Foundation and Practitioner
- Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
BSc - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Benadir University
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