Director of IT - Core Banking and Retail Solutions

Director of IT – Core Banking and Retail Solutions

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite – No Remote or Hybrid Work

Reports To: Chief Information Officer

Position Overview

The Senior Vice President of IT, Core Banking and Retail Solutions reports directly to the CIO. Serving as a key member of our client's leadership group, the SVP will lead a team of professionals responsible for delivering and supporting the technology and platforms that power core banking, retail branch, consumer business, card and deposit operations, and contact centers.

The successful candidate is a strategic, people-first leader who fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while developing high-performing teams.

The Director of IT – Core Banking and Retail Solutions leads strategy, execution, and operations for core banking and retail technology platforms. This individual modernizes legacy systems, improves customer experience, and ensures secure, scalable, and reliable applications.

The role manages cross-functional teams, vendor partnerships, and advises executives on technology investments to drive growth and innovation.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the technology roadmap for core banking and retail systems in alignment with enterprise goals.
• Champion modernization initiatives, including process automation, API integration, and digital transformation.

2. Portfolio Management

• Own the full lifecycle of core banking and retail applications, including system selection, implementation, upgrades, and retirement.
• Ensure platforms meet performance, compliance, and customer experience standards.

3. Operational Excellence

• Establish and monitor SLAs for system availability, transaction processing, data integrity, and customer-facing services.
• Ensure robust disaster recovery, backup, and cybersecurity protocols are in place and followed.

4. Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for the core banking and retail technology portfolio.

5. Vendor and Partner Oversight

• Lead contract negotiations, performance reviews, and strategic alignment with third-party providers, including core banking vendors, fintech partners, and managed service providers.

6. Team Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of IT professionals.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, career development, and succession planning.

7. Risk and Compliance

• Ensure all systems and processes adhere to regulatory requirements, internal audit standards, and enterprise risk management practices.

8. Executive Engagement

• Act as the primary technology liaison to Retail Banking and Operations executives.
• Translate business needs into technology solutions and ensure alignment of IT initiatives with business priorities.

9. Innovation and Thought Leadership

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Introduce innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

Risk Management and Compliance Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS).

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 10 years of job-related experience.

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent management skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management skills.