Project Manager, Core Banking Implementations

Blossom is seeking a Project Manager to lead the full lifecycle delivery of credit union core banking system conversions. The role coordinates stakeholders, data migration, core configuration, third-party interfaces, testing, cutover, and post-go-live stabilization while ensuring projects remain on time and within scope.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end core system conversions for credit union clients, managing all phases from discovery and data mapping through parallel processing, cutover, and post-go-live stabilization
• Serve as the primary point of contact for credit union stakeholders—including CEOs, COOs, IT Directors, and Operations leads—maintaining clear, consistent communication at every phase of the core conversion
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans covering data conversion timelines, milestones, resource allocation, member data mapping, GL balancing schedules, parallel processing windows, and cutover strategies
• Coordinate third-party interface integrations that connect directly to the core—including card processors, ACH/NACHA, shared branching, ATM networks, and teller/back-office platforms—ensuring all interfaces are tested and validated before go-live
• Partner with internal data conversion specialists and core configuration engineers to ensure accurate member, account, loan, and GL data migration from the legacy core to the new platform
• Manage and document user acceptance testing (UAT), parallel processing runs, and data balancing activities, coordinating credit union staff alongside internal conversion analysts
• Guide credit unions through core-related business process changes, policy mapping, GL chart configuration, and operational procedure updates required by the new core platform
• Monitor critical-path tasks, proactively identify risks—data integrity issues, regulatory compliance gaps, interface failures—and drive resolution before cutover
• Liaise with the digital products implementation team at integration touchpoints (e.g., core APIs, SSO/SAML handoffs) to ensure aligned timelines without owning digital product delivery
• Develop and distribute biweekly status reports, executive dashboards, and cutover readiness summaries for both credit union leadership and internal stakeholders
• Manage scope changes and change requests in coordination with the Director of Implementation and Account Management
• Support post-go-live stabilization, coordinating rapid-response triage between the credit union, core vendor support, and internal teams during the warranty period
• Maintain accurate project documentation in Jira, Smartsheet, or equivalent platforms; contribute lessons learned and conversion best practices to the internal knowledge base
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Deep, hands-on knowledge of credit union core banking platform, including core configuration, member/account structures, and GL architecture
• Thorough understanding of credit union operations: share/draft accounts, loan products, ACH/NACHA processing, shared branching, card processing, and regulatory compliance (NCUA, BSA/AML, Reg E, Reg CC)
• Demonstrated experience managing data conversion activities: legacy-to-target field mapping, data cleansing, balancing reports, GL reconciliation, and parallel processing validation
• Strong ability to coordinate and validate core interface integrations (card processors, ATM networks, ACH originators, teller systems) without owning the digital product layer
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent core conversion projects across varying credit union sizes and complexity levels
• Proven ability to facilitate high-stakes client meetings, translate core technical concepts for non-technical credit union staff, and de-escalate tension during cutover or UAT challenges
• Analytical mindset to interpret data balancing reports, audit logs, and system reconciliation outputs to confirm migration accuracy
• Skilled at building trust-based relationships with credit union executives, IT directors, and operations managers
• Proficiency with project management platforms (Jira, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project) and productivity suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Computer Science, Finance, or a related field
• 3+ years of direct experience managing core banking conversions at a fintech, CUSO, or core vendor (e.g., Jack Henry & Associates, Fiserv, FIS, Corelation, or similar)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with at least one major credit union core platform (Symitar/Episys, Corelation KeyStone, Fiserv DNA, or equivalent)
• Proven experience coordinating data conversion activities: member/account data mapping, GL balancing, and parallel processing validation
• Familiarity with credit union regulatory requirements and NCUA examination readiness as they relate to core system changes
• Experience coordinating core-adjacent interface integrations (card processors, ACH, shared branching, ATM) is required
• digital product implementation experience is a plus
• PMP, CSM, or PMI-ACP certification preferred
• Credit union or CUSO industry background strongly preferred