Lead Program Manager BNP Paribas Fortis

Lead Program Manager BNP Paribas Fortis (Brussels)

Dates: 2026-09-15 - 2027-03-31

Arrangements: 60% on site and 40% homeworking; six-month mission with a possible three-month extension.

The Lead Program Manager will define, govern and coordinate BNP Paribas Fortis' strategic Data Transformation Program. The program brings together three initiatives covering the DMS 2.0 Self-Service Data Platform, legacy BI decommissioning and reporting tooling simplification. The role ensures these initiatives operate as one coherent transformation with a shared strategy, roadmap, governance model and delivery plan. The program aims to modernize the bank's analytical and reporting landscape and align it with the Data Management Strategy and target architecture.

The assignment combines executive stakeholder management with hands-on program coordination and delivery leadership. The consultant will align objectives with Executive Management, lead steering committees, report on progress, risks, budget and value, and coordinate Initiative Owners and Delivery Leads. The role also owns cross-program dependencies, integrated planning and benefits realization. Strong cooperation across Business, IT, Architecture, Risk, Compliance, Reporting and Data communities is central to success.

A major focus is organizational adoption and sustainable handover. The Lead Program Manager will drive adoption of Data Products, self-service capabilities and the target reporting landscape while coordinating communication, training and change management. The consultant will own the program risk landscape and ensure internal governance, security, risk and regulatory compliance. During the six-month mission, the role must prepare the organization and the three Initiative Owners to continue delivery without a Lead Program Manager, with a possible three-month extension.

Top Reasons to Apply

Strategic data transformation

Executive-level impact

Enterprise change leadership

Responsibilities

• Define transformation roadmap
• Align program objectives
• Establish governance model
• Report program progress
• Facilitate strategic decisions

Must Have

• Program management certification
• 10+ years experience
• Data management concepts
• Data products concepts
• Data governance concepts
• Reporting analytics ecosystems

Nice to Have

• Self-Service Data Platforms
• Power BI migrations
• Regulated environment experience

Detailed Responsibilities and Skills

Additional Responsibilities

• Build stakeholder partnerships
• Coordinate initiative owners
• Ensure cross-initiative consistency
• Drive integrated planning
• Drive capability adoption
• Support transformation communities
• Own program risks
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Prepare organizational handover
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Program Management, Strategic Transformation or Enterprise Change Management.
• Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-year transformation programs with budgets above €5M.
• Proven experience coordinating multiple project managers, product owners and delivery organizations.
• Strong experience working directly with senior executives and steering committees.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments across Business and IT.
• Demonstrated success in technology modernization, platform transformation or enterprise data programs.
• Budget management and financial follow-up.
• Vendor and partner management experience.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in Dutch, French and English.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and helicopter view.
• Executive presence and ability to influence senior leadership.
• Outstanding communication and storytelling skills.
• Strong leadership without direct authority.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive alignment in complex environments.
• Proven stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Results-driven and pragmatic mindset.