Poornima Bhagwat
North York,Canada
Summary
IT Product Management leader with over 13 years of experience in leading large-scale transformations focusing on Product Development, Digital Strategy, Agile Development and extensive expertise in Banking in Credit Management, Credit Underwriting, Branch Management. Brings innovation and service delivery to life.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Lending Program & Strategy - Business Banking Product Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Responsible for end-to-end implementation of Business Banking Digital Platforms with the project budget of CAD 60 MM
- Provide input to technology teams on Product Management and business rules during elicitation
- Oversee User Acceptance Testing, Business Acceptance Testing and Enhanced Business Testing Activities from Business Banking perspective
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
- Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
Product Owner for US Business Banking Origination - Client - One of the top 5 Canadian Bank
Tata Consultancy Services
02.2021 - 09.2022
- Leading cross-functional teams in integrating US Business Banking products and of the merged Bank into the Deposits and Lending Platform of the Buying Bank’s Digital Platform (branch and self-serve)
- Developed the platform vision and multi-year roadmap for the Bank transformation that aligns with enterprise goals, leverages core capabilities, and delivers a brand-aligned experience to its customers
- Conceptualized and worked on Omni-Channel for MVP 1 & MVP 2 that supports customers to start an application at the Branch and complete at Home
- Managed a portfolio with annual budget of $15MM to deliver on US Business Banking roadmap; grew and developed a team of product owners, and led 6 development scrum teams across Chicago, Toronto, and India, while working closely with Business, Operations and Technology leadership to ensure product strategy & development are aligned
- Part of Business strategy team that developed the go-to-market and digital sales strategy for self-serve channel; led 4 teams on transformation of Business Banking Applications from Paper based to Digital Platform (Deposit Origination & Lending upto US$ 1MM) with total lending portfolio of over US$200 MM that reduced application time from days to minutes
- Working on an Agile model with 4 releases per year
- Contributed to Scrum, planning, grooming, refinement, Product backlog management, review and retro meetings
- Worked closely with stakeholders on requirements, effective delivery, production support, AML, Audit & Compliance (including OCC Audit)
- Used PowerBI reporting to present the performance of the Business Banking Platform (MongoDB) for Branch Banking
- Extensively used Adobe Analytics and Google Analytics to measure the performance of Self-serve Platform (mobile/online banking)
- Streamlined project management processes for improved efficiency and timely product delivery.
- Enhanced product usability by conducting user research and incorporating feedback into development.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop high-quality products that met customer needs.
- Optimized product performance by identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Managed backlog prioritization, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations.
- Implemented Agile methodologies to increase team productivity and enhance overall project outcomes.
- Reduced time-to-market by effectively coordinating resources, tasks, and timelines within the team.
- Led product launches, collaborating with marketing teams to create successful go-to-market strategies.
- Evaluated competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions on product positioning and pricing.
- Facilitated communication between development teams and stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of requirements and expectations.
- Developed comprehensive roadmaps outlining the product vision, goals, and milestones for successful execution.
- Conducted data-driven analysis to measure product success metrics, informing future enhancements or adjustments.
- Championed user-centric design principles throughout the development process to ensure exceptional user experiences.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders by maintaining open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by working closely with legal teams during the development process.
- Mentored junior team members in Agile methodologies and best practices for effective Product Owner role execution.
- Owned and prioritized product backlog.
- Managed implementation of new features by outlining plans and specifications such as how, where and when each component would work.
- Coordinated with software developers to create custom applications and trackers to achieve client goals.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.
Senior Business Analyst/SME for Payment Modernization Program
Tata Consultancy Services
11.2017 - 01.2021
- Contributed to Digitizing regulatory reports and extracts for AML/Compliance and Fintrac for Payment Modernization
- Worked on Transformation program of Payment platform from BESS to Fiserv; supported preliminary requirement gathering for Lynx (High Value Payments ) and Real Time Rail (RTR)
- Supported OSFI Fintrac Remediation - an initiative is to bridge this gap by mandating the capture of physical address to meet AML regulatory reporting requirements, primarily for Large Cash Transaction Reporting (LCTR), Electronic Funds Transfer Reporting (EFTR), and Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) purposes and Watchlist/Sanctions
- Conducted thorough analysis of large datasets using SQL to extract meaningful insights and support decision-making processes
- Created Dashboards and various simplified reports using SQL queries from MongoDB facilitating data-driven decision-making
- Analyze client needs and recommend tailored payment processing solutions with regard to Merchant Services
- (Point of Sales, Credit Card Payments, Online/Mobile payments) Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new merchant services, enhancing product offerings and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
- Streamlined workflow for better productivity with the implementation of new software solutions.
- Improved project efficiency by analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring a cohesive approach to business analysis.
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement through effective communication of complex data and insights.
- Conducted gap analyses to identify discrepancies between current and desired states, leading to actionable recommendations.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements by staying abreast of industry standards and best practices.
- Led process mapping initiatives, resulting in optimized workflows and reduced redundancies across departments.
- Spearheaded change management efforts during major system implementations, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while maximizing employee buy-in for new processes.
- Performed risk assessments on potential projects to determine feasibility and viability before moving forward with implementation plans.
- Supported leadership team with reporting, analysis, and business presentations to inform divisional strategies.
- Developed customized reports, summarizing and presenting data in visually appealing format.
- Generated ad-hoc reports to evaluate specific business requirements.
- Facilitated product development with implementation of standard best practices.
Business Consultant
Tata Consultancy Services
01.2017 - 10.2017
- Led the design, build and launch of a digital platform for bankers to originate a Corporate Loan and Internal Risk Modelling in both Conventional and Islamic Banking
- Took a customer-centered & research driven approach to feature development, including developing POCs, and implementing post-implementation feedback loops for continuous improvement
- Performed initial client assessment and analysis to research process for migrating to the new Origination.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing tailored solutions for their unique business needs.
- Identified growth opportunities for clients by conducting thorough financial and risk assessments.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize resource allocation and boost profitability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of complex projects while meeting all stakeholders'' expectations.
- Evaluated existing business models, identifying areas of improvement to increase revenue generation potential.
- Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing business.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Business Consultant
Tata Consultancy Services
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed vendor selection and evaluation process for Transaction Banking and Liquidity Management
- Requirement elicitation for Cash Management (liquidity management and receivables & collection management)
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing tailored solutions for their unique business needs.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with vendors, saving costs without compromising quality or service levels.
- Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Test Manager/Consultant Manager
Tata Consultancy Services
10.2010 - 05.2016
- Worked the Retail banking transformation program that involved transformation of Customer File, Payments, Mortgages, Agency services, Account from legacy system to T24 Core banking system
- Worked as Project Manager for offshore team; provided domain expertise to development support and QA teams on banking and project plan, change requests, estimates and resource management
- Lead- Centre of Excellence for Quality Assurance.
- Optimized software quality by overseeing comprehensive test plans and protocols.
- Enhanced test efficiency by implementing automated testing processes and tools.
- Improved project delivery timelines by efficiently managing testing resources and schedules.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the testing team, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of high-quality third-party testing services when necessary.
- Mentored junior team members by providing guidance on industry best practices and advanced testing techniques.
- Developed extensive documentation for various phases of the testing process, supporting efficient knowledge transfer among team members.
- Ensured compliance with relevant industry standards by adhering to strict quality assurance guidelines throughout all stages of software development.
- Championed innovation within the test department through research into emerging trends in technology and methodologies.
- Defined testing and acceptance strategies and determined quality assurance benchmarks.
- Coordinated with off-site staff to verify correct use of test procedures and confirm accurate reporting.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by conducting thorough needs assessments and developing tailored strategies.
- Coached junior consultants, promoting professional development and career advancement within the organization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing complex business challenges.
- Facilitated change management initiatives, effectively communicating expectations, goals, and progress updates to stakeholders at all levels.
- Wrote effective documentation for each client system to deliver comprehensive sets of requirements and alignment with business objectives.
- Enhanced project management skills by defining and presenting system solutions and timelines for business needs or technical problems.
Branch Manager/Senior Manager/Corporate Banking Head
Axis Bank
11.2006 - 09.2010
- Increased branch profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining operational processes.
- Developed a high-performing team through targeted recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by enhancing service quality and resolving client issues promptly.
- Strengthened relationships with key clients, securing long-term partnerships and driving revenue growth.
- Oversaw daily operations for streamlined efficiency, ensuring timely execution of tasks and optimal resource allocation.
- Managed branch financials including budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking for accurate reporting and decision-making support.
- Drove cross-selling efforts by collaborating with various departments within the organization to maximize revenues from existing clients.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements.
- Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
Manager/Credit Underwriter/Adjudicator
Corporation Bank (Now acquired by Union Bank of India)
08.1993 - 10.2006
- Improved loan approval rates by meticulously analyzing credit data and financial statements.
- Reduced risk exposure through diligent evaluation of applicants'' creditworthiness and recommending appropriate credit limits.
- Enhanced the efficiency of the underwriting process by implementing comprehensive risk assessment models.
- Collaborated with loan officers and sales teams for seamless communication during the application process.
- Minimized delinquency rates by conducting thorough background checks on potential clients.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of market trends, allowing for informed decision making in evaluating applications.
- Played a key role in maintaining a high-quality loan portfolio, minimizing defaults and maximizing returns for the organization.
Education
Master of Commerce (M. Com) -
Karnataka State Open University
Mysore, IndiaBachelor of Commerce (B. Com) -
Mangalore University
Diploma in Business Analysis -
International Institute of Business Analysts
Endorsed Program06.2016
MBA - Marketing
IGNOU
Delhi, India05.2006
Skills
- Data Analysis, Visualization & Reporting - Tableau, Power BI, Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics
- Product Planning
- Agile Methodology
- Vendor Management
- Strategic Planning
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Product Backlog Management
- Business Analysis
- Quality Assurance
- Product Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- User Story Creation
Hobbies and Interests
- Hiker
- Yoga
- Animal lover
- Traveller: Explores cities and towns by foot
Training
- CAIIB - Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers, Indian Institute of Banking & Finance, Mumbai, India
- CTF - Certificate in Trade Finance, Indian Institute of Banking & Finance
- Inhouse Credit Management Training, Reserve Bank of India (Central Bank)
- Inhouse training on Internal Risk Modelling, National Institute of Bank Management, Pune, India
Languages
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Director, Lending Program & Strategy - Business Banking Product Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
10.2022 - 11.2023
Product Owner for US Business Banking Origination - Client - One of the top 5 Canadian Bank
Tata Consultancy Services
02.2021 - 09.2022
Senior Business Analyst/SME for Payment Modernization Program
Tata Consultancy Services
11.2017 - 01.2021
Business Consultant
Tata Consultancy Services
01.2017 - 10.2017
Business Consultant
Tata Consultancy Services
06.2016 - 12.2016
Test Manager/Consultant Manager
Tata Consultancy Services
10.2010 - 05.2016
Branch Manager/Senior Manager/Corporate Banking Head
Axis Bank
11.2006 - 09.2010
Manager/Credit Underwriter/Adjudicator
Corporation Bank (Now acquired by Union Bank of India)
08.1993 - 10.2006
Master of Commerce (M. Com) -
Karnataka State Open University
Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) -
Mangalore University
Diploma in Business Analysis -
International Institute of Business Analysts
MBA - Marketing
IGNOU
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